1. Setting Ground Rules: Establishing common values helps set clear expectations for how the discussion will be conducted. It clarifies what is considered acceptable and unacceptable behavior, ensuring everyone feels safe and respected.
2. Shared Understanding: By agreeing on common values, students create a foundation of shared understanding. This helps them approach the discussion with a common perspective and focus on the issues at hand, rather than personal biases or conflicting viewpoints.
3. Respectful Dialogue: Common values promote respectful dialogue. When students agree on principles like empathy, listening, and critical thinking, they are more likely to engage with each other constructively and avoid personal attacks or disrespectful language.
4. Constructive Outcomes: Discussions based on shared values are more likely to lead to constructive outcomes. By focusing on shared goals and common ground, students can work together to identify solutions and find common ground.
How to Establish Common Values:
* Brainstorming: Students can brainstorm a list of values they feel are important for the discussion.
* Discussion and Agreement: Once a list is generated, students can discuss the values and agree on a shared set of principles.
* Explicit Statement: The agreed-upon values should be explicitly stated and agreed upon before the discussion begins.
* Reference Points: The values can be used as reference points during the discussion to guide the conversation and address any potential conflicts.
Example Values:
* Respect for different viewpoints
* Open-mindedness
* Critical thinking
* Active listening
* Honesty and integrity
* Collaboration and teamwork
By taking the time to establish common values, students can create a more productive and enriching discussion environment.