"Discussing Controversial Topics While Keeping the Class Civil": A Teacher Educator Critical Narrative Autobiography

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Three
  In Roundtable Session: Relationality and Classroom Stories (Table 15)

Abstract

In this autobiographical narrative inquiry self-study, the research question focused on exploring how did I manage to “keep the class civil [while] discussing controversial topics” as stated in a course evaluation. The class was a multicultural education core course designed for teacher candidates to understand the diverse backgrounds of future students. I became intrigued by how obvious my struggle was to keep the class civil and what elements made civility possible. I searched for understanding by restorying interactions, reviewing archival records, and in dialogue with teacher educators and long-term self-study research collaborators acting as critical friends. Preliminary findings highlight that the practice of keeping the class civil needs to be mindful, conscious, collaborative, and concerted.

Authors

• Leslie M. Gauna, University of Houston - Clear Lake
  Presenting Author

• Jane Mcintosh Cooper, University of Houston - Clear Lake
  Presenting Author

• Christine Beaudry, Nevada State University
  Presenting Author