TCEA26: Navigating Difficult Conversations

Theory is great, but muscle memory is better.

The ARC Framework: Click to Learn More

ACKNOWLEDGE REFRAME COMMIT

Practice Scenarios

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Give It a Try: Implementation Tip

Step 1: Acknowledge (Make it Safe)

Goal: Lower the threat response and build psychological safety.

Technique: AMPP (Ask, Mirror, Paraphrase, Prime).

Script: "It sounds like you’re feeling protective of your current workflow. Is that right?"

Step 2: Reframe (Student-Centered)

Goal: Shift from "Teacher Preference" to "Student Impact".

Technique: Contrasting.

Evidence: Use Effect Size data to justify changes and pivot the conversation toward observable student needs.

Step 3: Commit (Action)

Goal: Agree on a manageable micro-step and put it on the calendar.

Technique: RISE Goal & WWWF (Who does What by When?).

Script: "What is the smallest, safest experiment we can try by next Tuesday?"

Strategy Reference Guide

High-Effect Size strategies referenced in the scenarios above:

Strategy Effect Size Core Concept
Jigsaw Method0.92Accountability through student-led "Expert Groups."
Concept Mapping0.86Visualizing knowledge by linking concepts.
Feedback Timing0.89Real-time "Triage" feedback rather than post-learning "Autopsies."
Reciprocal Teaching0.74Student roles: Predicting, Questioning, Clarifying, Summarizing.

Activity Logistics