Cultivating Meaning Through Great Conversations: Empowering Students in Academic and Life Goals

Kellie Mowll (WISH Charter Schools)

Monday, April 7, 2025 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

POSITIVE EMOTION

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Session Outline

Abstract

Objectives: To explore how meaningful conversations can assist students in discovering what is significant in their educational practices and personal development.

To provide strategies for personal tutors and academic advisors to better understand their students, ensuring that guidance aligns with their educational and life aspirations.

This session will delve into the art of great conversations, emphasizing how they serve as a pivotal tool in supporting students' personal and academic journeys, ultimately fostering enhanced student engagement and success.

Using Meaningful Conversations to Support Student Discovery:

We will begin by discussing the importance of engaging in conversations that genuinely explore what students find meaningful in their educational and personal lives. Drawing upon insights from thought leaders such as Susan Scott, we will explore principles of effective communication that facilitate open dialogues, enabling students to articulate their passions, interests, and goals clearly.

Participants will engage in practical exercises aimed at sharpening their conversational skills, with a strong emphasis on active listening and empathy. We will utilize scenarios inspired by David Brooks and Angela Duckworth’s research, highlighting the significance of perseverance, resilience, and character development in securing student success and fulfillment. By the end of this segment, attendees will be equipped with a comprehensive toolkit of conversation starters designed to foster student self-discovery and engagement.

Getting to Know Students: Aligning Advising with Life Goals:

The second objective will focus on understanding students as holistic individuals. We will highlight practical techniques for personal tutors and advisors to gather meaningful insights about their students, shifting focus beyond academic performance to include personal interests, life experiences, and future aspirations. This approach enriches the advising process and underscores the role of personal tutoring in connecting students' academic and extracurricular pursuits with their broader life objectives.

Through interactive discussions, we will encourage participants to share successful strategies for building rapport with students. Breakout groups will allow attendees to role-play advising scenarios, practicing how to ask insightful questions that reveal students' true motivations and aspirations. This hands-on experience will equip educators with the skills needed to provide meaningful guidance that supports each student's journey.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes:
To explore how meaningful conversations can assist students in discovering what is significant in their educational practices and personal development.
To provide strategies for personal tutors and academic advisors to better understand their students, ensuring that guidance aligns with their educational and life aspirations.

Bibliography

Brooks, D. (2021). How to get to know a person: The art of seeing others deeply and being deeply seen. Random House.
In this book, Brooks explores the deeper aspects of human connection and understanding, emphasizing the importance of empathy, community, and values in getting to know oneself and others.

Duckworth, Angela. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner, 2016.
Duckworth's groundbreaking work focuses on the concept of grit as a predictor of success, illustrating how passion and perseverance can help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their long-term goals.

Scott, Susan. Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life, One Conversation at a Time. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2004.
In this influential book, Scott outlines the principles of effective communication and the importance of having meaningful conversations, guiding readers in building stronger relationships both personally and professionally.

Competencies
This session addresses the following competencies of the UKAT Professional Framework for Advising and Tutoring