Global Deliberations Collaborative Online

Welcome to Global Deliberations Collaborative Online

Global Deliberations Collaborative (GDC) is a professional development project that equips P-16 educators with the skills they need to promote open and respectful dialogue about difficult topics. This method is developed primarily for high school classes, though it can be adapted for middle school and postsecondary settings.

This online guide provides notes on each step of the deliberation process, as well as case studies, worksheets, and other classroom resources.

What is the deliberation process?

Deliberation is a way of approaching complex issues through engaging with different perspectives and information to try and come to a decision. This approach involves four steps in which participants:

  1. Define their individual core values and the essential question that they will be engaging with
  2. Investigate the topic and perspectives further, finding credible sources from multiple perspectives and presenting those perspectives to the class
  3. Deliberate on the topic, sharing their own thoughts and actively listening before reflecting on the activity and identifying questions that remain
  4. Apply the insight they have gained to reassess their position and core values. Participants can then create an action plan to engage with the topic in their community or career based on the position they've developed.

Click the button below to follow the process step-by-step