Why are difficult conversations important for learning?

Difficult conversations are important to having an engaging and deep learning experience and an opportunity for students to learn valuable skills they will need in the workplace and daily life. A well-planned difficult conversation can allow students to move out of their comfort zone and consider new ideas. There has been a range of research that suggests when students encounter a certain level of feeling uncomfortable during difficult conversations it can be of benefit to personal growth and learning (Weller et al, 2023).

The idea of learning through difficult conversations and feelings of discomfort have been theorized in a variety of fields. Piaget discussed cognitive disequilibrium which is where new knowledge does not align with prior knowledge (schema), and thus, the person attempts to resolve these or get back to a state of equilibrium (Ormrod, 2008). Coming across difficulties whether through conflicting information or through complex problem solving is often accompanied by an emotional reaction. In turn, this can play a role in the integration of prior knowledge with the new knowledge (Lodge et al, 2018).

In addition, argumentation can play an important role in student learning within the classroom. Argumentation has been shown to have benefits to education and learning (Jiménez-Aleixandre & Erduran, 2007). It can require students to look at multiple perspectives and consider ideas that may conflict with their own ideas. This can require them to look for discrepancies (Nussbaum & Sinatra, 2003).

References

Jiménez-Aleixandre, M. P., & Erduran, S. (2007). Argumentation in science education: An overview. Argumentation in science education: Perspectives from classroom-based research, 3-27.

Weller, B. E., Wilson, W. E., Jean-Baptiste, K. E., Sullivan, J. E., & Giroux, D. M. (2023). Graduate Student Experience Learning About Racism: “You’re going to Feel Uncomfortable… That’s When You’re Going to Learn”. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 43(5), 536-553.

Lodge, J. M., Kennedy, G., Lockyer, L., Arguel, A., & Pachman, M. (2018, June). Understanding difficulties and resulting confusion in learning: An integrative review. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 3, p. 49). Frontiers Media SA.

Ormrod, J. E. (2008). Educational psychology: Developing learners (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.