If we take a passive view of classroom behavior, we fail in a crucial part of our role as educators: creating a democratic and effective learning environment for a diverse student body. This timely issue of New Directions for Teaching and Learning offers creative, thoughtful strategies for promoting civil discourse and resolving conflict when it arises--both in the classroom and in the campus community at-large. The authors recommend constructive responses to disruptive classroom behavior and techniques for encouraging open, respectful discussion of sensitive topics. They also explore institutional approaches to alternative dispute resolution that provide students and faculty a safe, nonjudgmental environment for addressing conflicts.

This is the 77th issue of the quarterly journal New Directions for Teaching and Learning.