How to Have a Conversation

Overview:

This lesson explores how conversation and listening shape understanding, community, and democracy. Drawing on the life and words of Justice Robert H. Jackson, students will examine what makes a conversation respectful and productive, and practice skills for listening, questioning, and reasoning. By the end of the lesson, students will understand how civil conversation, like Jackson’s example at the Supreme Court and the Nuremberg Trials, can uphold fairness and justice.

Learning Goals:

Identify the elements of respectful and productive conversation
Explain how conversation and listening connect to democratic values and justice
Practice conversation skills inspired by Robert H. Jackson’s example of reasoned dialogue and fairness

Learning Standards:

New York State
- Social Studies: 1.2, 1.4, 5.3, 5.4
- ELA Literacy in History/Social Studies: RH8, WHST1a, WHST1b, WHST1c, WHST2b
Pennsylvania
- History: 8.1
- Civics and Government: 5.2
- Reading in History and Social Studies: 8.6A

Assessment/Evaluation:

Participation in discussion and group work
Evaluate reflection responses for understanding
Extension Idea
- Have students look at a modern civic or political debate and compare for respectful dialogue

Materials Needed:

For Students:
- Conversation prompt cards
- “Jackson Framework” for Civil Conversations handout
Teacher Resource: Background and Introduction to Robert H. Jackson
Teacher Resource: Example Chart of A Good Conversation vs. A Poor Conversation

Lesson Flow

Introduction

5 min

Introduce Robert H. Jackson as a Supreme Court Justice and Chief Prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials. Introduce the idea that he believed that justice begins with reason and dialogue.
1. Quote: “It is not the function of the government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error.” - Robert H. Jackson, American Communications Assoc. v. Douds (1950)

What makes a Jackson Conversation?

10 min

Create a class chart (draw on the board or use chart paper) and have students give examples.
1. Good conversations value reason over passion and understanding over judgment

Practice the “Jackson Framework” for a Conversation

15 min

Break students into groups of two or four and give them the Jackson Framework for Civil Conversations as well as their conversation prompt
Students should practice having civil conversations using the framework and the rules they came up with as a class.

Reflect like Jackson

10 min

Discussion

1. What did you notice about listening vs. waiting to speak?
2. How does conversation build understanding?

Why would someone like Justice Jackson value this skill in a democracy?

Wrap-Up / Homework

5 min

Exit Ticket:
1. One thing I learned about civil conversation is…