Fostering Dialogue and Civil Discourse at the University of Texas Using the CDP Toolkit

NCDD Sustaining Partner Organization, Interactivity Foundation (IF) recently shared this article that we encourage you to read. At the University of Texas in San Antonio, Professor Sara DeTurk is pioneering civil discourse education through her dialogue facilitation course and the newly established Center for Dialogue and Deliberation. By integrating activities from IF's Collaborative Discussion Toolkit (CDP), she has helped students build essential listening and facilitation skills, enhancing discussions both in and beyond the classroom. Read more in the post below and learn how the CDP Toolkit is shaping the next generation of dialogue leaders on IF’s website here.

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Transforming Classroom Discussion through CDP Toolkit

Professor Sara DeTurk has long been committed to preparing students for structured, respectful dialogue. Her dialogue facilitation course at UTSA trains students to lead discussions on complex topics in a psychologically safe manner. Recently, she and her colleague Professor Laurie Lewis co-founded the university’s Center for Dialogue and Deliberation to further extend these efforts. Their mission: to equip students with skills for engaging diverse perspectives, collaborating in workplaces, and deliberating constructively in communities.

Through her work, Sara recognized the growing need for students to practice engaging in meaningful conversations with those who hold different worldviews. To support this, she integrated the Collaborative Discussion Toolkit (CDP) into her curriculum, using its adaptable activities to enhance student learning.

The Collaborative Discussion Toolkit quickly became a core component of Sara’s class, making up about 30-40% of the curriculum. Students facilitated 20-minute dialogues on topics like democracy and work-life balance, followed by debriefs and journal reflections to reinforce their facilitation skills. The toolkit’s emphasis on identity, values clarification, and active listening helped students build deeper connections and apply these skills in personal and professional settings.

Students responded positively to the toolkit’s interactive nature, particularly enjoying small-group activities that encouraged them to navigate differing perspectives. One student noted that the exercises significantly improved their listening skills, while another practiced facilitation at home before applying the same techniques in class.
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Beyond the classroom, Sara’s students played an active role in campus-wide discussions through the Center for Dialogue and Deliberation, leading conversations on sensitive topics such as mental health and international conflicts. These real-world applications reinforced the impact of the toolkit and empowered students to foster dialogue in their communities.

Expanding the Reach of Collaborative Discussion

As part of the course, students earned a credentialed badge from the Interactivity Foundation, officially recognized by the university. This external validation provided students with tangible proof of their new skills, further motivating their engagement. Sara also worked closely with the CDP team to ensure that the badge program aligned with her course goals.
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Looking ahead, Sara envisions expanding the Center for Dialogue and Deliberation’s activities, using the CDP Toolkit to train more students and faculty in effective discussion techniques. With the Center now having a dedicated space on campus, UTSA is poised to become a hub for civil discourse and constructive engagement.

Start Using the CDP Toolkit
The Collaborative Discussion Toolkit is freely available to anyone interested in fostering meaningful conversations. Explore its resources and get involved:
👉 Start using the free Collaborative Discussion Toolkit
👉 Join a free webinar for an Introduction to the Toolkit, or sign up for a workshop to learn how to use it with your classes or group
👉 Contact us for support in running a workshop or using the Toolkit
👉 Subscribe to the Collaborative Discussion Project newsletter for weekly activities and tips.