Teaching Tips Spotlight on Teaching Circles in the Classroom - Tip #1
To celebrate National Indigenous History Month, here鈥檚 a tip for instructors on how to incorporate the concept of talking circles into their classrooms.
Talking Circles Spotlight Teaching Tip Week #1: Begin With Shared Guidelines
Spotlight:
A Talking Circle is a structured, inclusive dialogue format rooted in Indigenous traditions. Participants speak one at a time in a circle, guided by shared respect, presence, and relational accountability.
As part of this month鈥檚 focus on Talking Circles, we begin by grounding the practice in shared intention. Talking Circles depend on relational accountability鈥攚here each voice matters, and safety is co-created. Starting with a conversation about group values and expectations lays the foundation for respectful, balanced dialogue.
Why it matters:
Shared values and agreements, co-created with students, help establish safety and trust 鈥� essential conditions for open dialogue and deeper learning.
Try this:
Start your first Talking Circle with a collaborative discussion of group guidelines. Post them visibly and revisit them when needed.
Reflective question:
What might it feel like to create classroom expectations with students, not for them?
See all the tips and additional resources here -
