Teach Different

We are all individuals, yet we are all also part of families, schools, teams and peer groups. Our identities are shaped by what we think of ourselves and the groups we are a part of. The value of interdependence is hard to appreciate because we often want to focus on our own accomplishments and struggle to give others credit for helping us get them. Yet acknowledging the role others play in our success is very important. Join Steve and Dan Fouts, with guests James Ogude, Director at the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria, South Africa and high school social studies teacher Gwynne Ryan, for a conversation about interdependence using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Be sure to visit teachdifferent.com to learn more, and to sign up for our FREE 30-day trial. You'll gain access to the Teach Different library of conversation plans, social/emotional conversation curriculum map, ideas for your lesson plans, handouts, videos and more! Remember to teach different with conversations and make a difference every day. Image source: Piqsels

How do you know when to speak up? We're always telling kids to listen and to speak their mind. What we rarely do is help them discern when it is appropriate to listen and when it makes more sense to speak. Some suggest that listening to everyone is always a better way to go, because you learn more that way. Others say speaking your mind is the more courageous action, because then people know where you stand and others can learn from you. Join Steve and Dan Fouts, with guest Laura Wright, for a conversation about communication using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Be sure to visit teachdifferent.com to learn more, and to sign up for our FREE 30-day trial. You'll gain access to the Teach Different library of conversation plans, social/emotional conversation curriculum map, ideas for your lesson plans, handouts, videos and more! Remember to teach different with conversations and make a difference every day. Image source: Pixabay

Justice is often defined as a sense of fairness and equality which society has a natural obligation to bring about. Seen in this way, justice is a first priority that when met will yield all other benefits to citizens. Others may argue that there are other, more pressing responsibilities like public safety or peace which are more important duties. Different views on society's duties makes it hard for citizens to unite under a common purpose. Join Steve and Dan Fouts with guests, Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney, for a conversation about duty using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Be sure to visit teachdifferent.com to learn more, and to sign up for our FREE 30-day trial. You'll gain access to the Teach Different library of conversation plans, social/emotional conversation curriculum map, ideas for your lesson plans, handouts, videos and more! Remember to teach different with conversations and make a difference every day. Image source: Wikimedia | Southworth & Hawes, Albert Southworth, Josiah Johnson Hawes

Can you motivate people who are reluctant to learn? Motivating people to do things is exhausting, and many times futile. It happens in the classroom with students who are reluctant to do work. Sometimes the reluctance comes from the fact that they don't have the skills to succeed. Other times, the students have the skills, but are creating the impression that they don't care. Teachers must figure out the correct cause of the lack of motivation and implement the right approach to turn things around. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about education using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Be sure to visit teachdifferent.com to learn more, and to sign up for our FREE 30-day trial. You'll gain access to the Teach Different library of conversation plans, social/emotional conversation curriculum map, ideas for your lesson plans, handouts, videos and more! Remember to teach different with conversations and make a difference every day. Image source: Look and Learn | Edward S. Curtis

When should you have empathy for others? Sometimes it's important to follow rational thinking to solve problems. In those cases, turning off our own emotions helps lead to a solution. When dealing with others, however, the opposite is often true. We need to turn off rational thinking so we can listen and empathize. It's also the case that acting on one's feelings helps us make better decisions, and using a cold, rational approach with others is exactly what's needed to help them. Throughout our lives we have to figure out when to follow our head or follow our heart. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about social awareness using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Be sure to visit teachdifferent.com to learn more, and to sign up for our FREE 30-day trial. You'll gain access to the Teach Different library of conversation plans, social/emotional conversation curriculum map, ideas for your lesson plans, handouts, videos and more! Remember to teach different with conversations and make a difference every day. Image source: Wikimedia

When should you put others' needs above your own? When we come to the aid of others, we also become happy ourselves by virtue of doing the right thing. It makes us feel worthwhile when we serve others. But happiness can come to us through a different path, where we focus just on ourselves and what we really want. Helping other people often drains us of our life energy and prevents us from becoming who we really are. It's hard to know when putting other people's needs above our own will lead to our own fullfillment. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about education using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Be sure to visit teachdifferent.com to learn more, and to sign up for our FREE 30-day trial. You'll gain access to the Teach Different library of conversation plans, social/emotional conversation curriculum map, ideas for your lesson plans, handouts, videos and more! Remember to teach different with conversations and make a difference every day. Image source: Library of Congress | Photograph possibly by Schumacher.

Should you fear mistakes? We all know what it feels like to be afraid of doing something. We hesitate, delay and ultimately choose to do nothing and then devise elaborate justifications for our inaction. Fear overcomes our courage. Yet, we also know the feeling of making quick decisions that lead to embarrassing mistakes. In those cases, a little fear would have encouraged us to slow down and make better choices. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about decision making using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Be sure to visit teachdifferent.com to learn more, and to sign up for our FREE 30-day trial. You'll gain access to the Teach Different library of conversation plans, social/emotional conversation curriculum map, ideas for your lesson plans, handouts, videos and more! Remember to teach different with conversations and make a difference every day. Image source: Library of Congress

How do we know when cooperation is the best strategy for success? Working with other people is hard if you like to work fast. You have to slow down, compromise and wait for people to catch up to your pace. On class projects this can be a brutal experience. Going alone is so much faster and you're judged by your own efforts, not the efforts of others. Yet, cooperating with others brings a measure of success that is much grander than what could have ever been created alone. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about cooperation using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Be sure to visit teachdifferent.com to learn more, and to sign up for our FREE 30-day trial. You'll gain access to the Teach Different library of conversation plans, social/emotional conversation curriculum map, ideas for your lesson plans, handouts, videos and more! Remember to teach different with conversations and make a difference every day. Image source: Pixabay

Is it brave to do the right thing? Thinking about the right way to act requires patient and careful thought. Acting from a good conscience in this way conveys strength and confidence. But our conscience also makes us feel weak; oftentimes we don't know what the right choices are and so we are plagued by indecision and fear. Doing the right thing becomes a burden too great to bear and we turn to our instincts to bail us out. Morality requires bravery. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about decision making using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Be sure to visit teachdifferent.com to learn more, and to sign up for our FREE 30-day trial. You'll gain access to the Teach Different library of conversation plans, social/emotional conversation curriculum map, ideas for your lesson plans, handouts, videos and more! Remember to teach different with conversations and make a difference every day. Image source: Pixabay

Should we look to the future or past for guidance? Finding our purpose in life is a confusing journey with competing forces acting against us. On the one hand, there's the force of our family background and history telling us who we should be.  And then there's our hopes and dreams which force us to look ahead and consider new opportunities. It's hard to know where to look for guidance. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about goal setting using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Be sure to visit teachdifferent.com to learn more, and to sign up for our FREE 30-day trial. You'll gain access to the Teach Different library of conversation plans, social/emotional conversation curriculum map, ideas for your lesson plans, handouts, videos and more! Remember to teach different with conversations and make a difference every day. Image source: Pixabay

Should we be a role model for others? When we are being watched by others, we are compelled to do the right thing and that benefits the world. Being a role model has inherent value, but it is a difficult job that comes with significant sacrifice. It means that sometimes we can't be ourselves and do what we really want. We must forgo our own needs to make other people happy. It's hard to know when being a role model is worth it. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about self-awareness using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Be sure to visit teachdifferent.com to learn more, and to sign up for our FREE 30-day trial. You'll gain access to the Teach Different library of conversation plans, social/emotional conversation curriculum map, ideas for your lesson plans, handouts, videos and more! Remember to teach different with conversations and make a difference every day. Image source: Wikimedia

Should you always try to get what you want? We tell our minds to speed up, make decisions, satisfy our desires and create quick solutions to our problems. An active mind gets us places but sometimes leads to hasty choices and long-term unhappiness.  If we discipline our mind to slow down, we can think more clearly and make smarter decisions. By resisting the impulse to control the universe, we can take advantage of the possibilities the universe reveals for us. True self-discipline requires the wisdom of knowing when to speed up or slow down our mind to get what we want. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about self-discipline using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Be sure to visit teachdifferent.com to learn more, and to sign up for our FREE 30-day trial. You'll gain access to the Teach Different library of conversation plans, social/emotional conversation curriculum map, ideas for your lesson plans, handouts, videos and more! Remember to teach different with conversations and make a difference every day. Image source: Wikimedia | Tom@HK

Is love more powerful than hate? Love is a powerful force in the universe. That much is true. What's unclear is just how powerful love is and whether it can and should be used as a tool to combat hate. Some say hate must be met with more of the same and that confrontation is the onlly reliable strategy to change human behavior for the better. Others take the kinder, softer approach and let love do the job. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about love using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Library of Congress

How do you know when to adapt your goals? Rarely to we achieve our goals by following the exact path we set at the beginning. Instead, we experience twists and turns that we must learn to adapt along the way. These unexpected events inspire us to refocus and change our goals. Other times, however, we push through and continue along the path with the original goal firmly fixed in our mind. We maintain focus in the midst of uncertainty. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about goal setting using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Picryl

What is the best way to respond to hard times? Tough times greet all of us in varying degrees. The challenge is how to figure out exactly how we should behave when those tough times arrive. One plan is to push through the difficulties and emerge stronger at the other end. That way, our pain can be short-lived. We can also stop the pain and change direction so that we can avoid the hardship and discover joy on the other side. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about determination using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question.

How hard should we try to be accepted by others? Being excluded for unpopular opinions hurts. Being excluded because of race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation is devastating. Exclusion devalues our humanity, which can make us bitter, resentful and angry. At these unpleasant moments we face crucial moral decisions. We can walk away and create space to preserve our dignity or we can stubbornly assert ourselves to gain acceptance and respect. Each decision carries consequences felt throughout our lives. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about acceptance using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Wikipedia

How do we know which risks are worth taking? Everybody wants success, however it is defined. That is clear. The confusion comes when we think about the best way to go about getting success. Some people carry the logic that success will only come from taking risks and that if we don't learn to push our comfort zone, then we're destined never to achieve anything. Others conclude that by avoiding risks and taking the slow cautious approach, we can achieve great things over time. The challenge is how to blend these two approaches in a way that maximizes chances for success. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about success using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Philosophers for Change | Creative Commons

How do we know if we should change our goals? Setting goals forces us to picture success before it happens. If we are able to create a picture of what success looks like, then we are more likely to achieve it. Seeing the end motivates the beginning of the journey. But it is often the case that journeys take unexpected turns and force us to redirect our plans towards goals different than what we had at the start. The challenge then becomes how to best change our goals along the way and pursue the proper end that reveals itself over time. Living life this way demands less clarity and more patience. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about goal setting using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Flickr | ABRAS

What's the best way to use questions? Not all questions are the same. Some challenge authority, break rules and send people down new pathways of thinking. Other questions take the safer road and are designed to gather new information. Regardless of how they are used, questions are the heart of student engagement. The more questions our students ask, the bettter critical thinkers they become. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about education using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Ian Leslie | With permission from Ian Leslie

What does it take to be a good leader? Sometimes leadership means control and enforcement of rules. The leader must demand compliance from followers. At other times leaders must empower their people to be the best at what they do. In this way, leaders become helpers who put their own needs behind their followers for the betterment of the organization. Knowing when to embrace each of these roles at the right times is a challenge. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about leadership using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Robert Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership

What is the mark of an educated mind?  When we hear a new idea, our first instinct is to accept the idea without question, either because we have intuition that it is true or we simply trust the messenger. Accepting truth in this way is comforting for it requires very little work and gives us permission to stop thinking. It's also dangerous. Sometimes new ideas must be met with delay and smart suspicion. Delaying acceptance affords us time to evaluate the true worth of ideas and compels us to reject the bad ones.  Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about critical thinking using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question.  Image source: Wikimedia | Tilemahos Efthimiadis

Should we tell the truth? Everybody hates to be lied to. When that happens, we feel anger and dissapointment. There is a sense of betrayal, a loss of trust, and enemies are created. But, there is another kind of hate we feel when somebody tells us the truth, especially when it is a truth that we don't want to hear. It's that feeling we get when a teacher calls us out for not trying our best, or when a parent catches us breaking the rules. In those cases, we don't want to hear the truth and we take our anger out on the messenger. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation with David Olson, Director of Education at Retro Report, about honesty using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Look and Learn | Rijksmuseum

Do we have control over our own success?  There are few things more frustrating than having to wait for other people to decide your future, whether it be waiting for college admission, that lead role in the play, or making the baseball team. In all of these cases, somebody else has control over your future. Rather than live a life of waiting for the approval of others (which may never come), rely on yourself. Be different and chart your own path for success. However, relying on others and "playing the game" are also necessary for success, because they show you know how to be a good follower.  Join Steve and Dan Fouts and best-selling author Dave Burgess for a conversation about self-reliance using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question.  Image source: Flickr | Jared Goralnick

How should you show confidence? The only thing worse than being afraid is for others to see you that way. Fear diminishes a person's ability to lead others. It causes hesitantcy, doubt, and an inability to make decisions when they matter most. Courage, on the other hand, inspires the opposite - faith, hope and an unbreakable will to overcome setbacks. But, maybe revealing our fears and being vulnerable shows a different kind of strength which gives us self-confidence and influence over others. Join Steve and Dan Fouts with Terry Daniels, a high school principal in Northern California, for a conversation about leadership using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method.  Image source: Picryl

Should we strive for success? We often think of success in life as being tied up with the external rewards we get like money, fame or power. Life is viewed as a race to achieve these rewards. But, maybe we are running the wrong race. Maybe we should pursue more internal rewards, like being a good person and doing the right thing. Aligning our life to the pursuit of moral values may not give us riches and fame, but they will bring great value to the world. Join Steve and Dan Fouts with Steph Sukow, a high school instructional coach and English teacher in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, for a conversation about success and value using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Image source: Pixabay

What is needed to change the world? Most agree that you can't change much in the world if you don't have the knowledge of what needs to be changed. With education comes understanding, perspective and a keen awareness of how to bring change into reality. Education is a powerful weapon indeed. But action in the form of protest and self-advocacy are also vital tools to effect change, and they don't require an education as much as they require courage, spirit and drive. Knowledge and action must work together to make change happen. Join Steve and Dan Fouts with Mary Ellen Daneels, Director of the Illinois Civics Hub, for a conversation about the power of education to change the world using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method.  Image source: PIcryl | Maureen Keating

How should we act when we are angry? Anger is one of those emotions that we say is inherently dangerous and unpredictable. When we're angry, we are told to walk away or breathe to allow the intense feelings to pass. Yet, sometimes getting angry is actually a wise strategy, especially if we feel that we or our loved ones are in danger. Quick action is the better remedy. Our students should learn how and when to use anger to achieve the best possible outcomes. Join Steve and Dan Fouts with Shawn McCusker, Director of Professional Learning at Digital Promise, for a conversation about the power of anger and how we know when expressing it is the right thing to do or when it may get us into more trouble than we bargained for. Image Source: Wikimedia | Calidius | Creative Commons

How do you know when you should stand up for yourself? Children are taught from a young age that when they want something they should wait their turn until they are granted permission. Waiting cultivates patience. It shows good manners. This attitude works in some settings but when it comes to gaining respect from others, the whole idea of waiting becomes burdensome and futile, especially when other people treat you poorly. Sometimes, children should be taught to advocate for themselves to get people's attention about injustice. Figuring out when to do this in the right way is a life-long moral challenge. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about self-advocacy using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Wikipedia

Does power reveal our true character? Being a good person is hard enough. It's even harder when we occupy positions of authority. Authority gives us leeway to deal with others in whatever way we want, and carry through with punishments of our design. How we execute our power reveals our true values, because we have the power to choose otherwise. Yet, adversity and hardship test our values too, and sometimes uncover more of who we really are. Join Dan and Steve Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about power using the Teach Different 3-Step method with guest, Andrew Swan. Image source: Picryl | Creative Commons

Can our imagination make us happy? Happiness is something that everyone wants. Sometimes, though, our imaginations create anxiety and actually prevent us from experiencing happiness. We make things worse than they actually are because of what we create in our minds. Yet, at other times, it is our actual experiences that create our suffering and our imaginations play no role. The power of the imagination is unique to each individual and can be a source of our happiness or despair. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about happiness that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia | Caladius

Do you need to fail to learn? From a young age we are taught the value of learning from our mistakes. The logic goes something like this, when we make mistakes we see opportunities for improvement and learning. Failure makes us wise. Yet, we also learn through our successes. It is through them that we discover what we did right and what we should continue to do next time. Failure and success are both important teachers in our lives. Join Steve and Dan Fouts with guest Amy Pitino for an unforgettable conversation about whether we learn more from our failures or our successes using the Teach Different 3-Step Method.  Image source: Pixabay | bladeco70

How do we know when the cautious approach is the right one? Students sometimes rush into decision-making without forethought. They do it with term papers, for class projects, and even in their relationships. This approach may cause more heartache and work in the long run. There is much to be said about careful, slow planning to avoid mistakes, but there's also an inherent danger in taking the cautious approach. If students spend all of their time planning, then where's the time for experimentation, and learning from mistakes? Join Steve and Dan Fouts with Julie Cropp, Principal of Roscoe Middle School in Roscoe, IL, for a conversation about decision making and when being cautious may be the right approach. Image Source: Flickr

How do you know when hard work is worth it? Students are always being told to do their best and that there is intrinsic value to putting in a hard day of work, regardless of whether they achieve what they set out to do. Students are also expected to achieve results from their work. After all, there seems to be little value in working so hard if goals aren't met in the end. All students must balance these conflicting expectations throughout their lives and figure out their own way to define the value of their efforts. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about education using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Wikipedia

How do we know when self-discipline is in our best interest? Self-discipline is hard for students. It requires that they shut out distractions, develop routines and exercise impulse control. Authority figures tell students that self-discipline is worth it, that at the end of the day their work will be rewarded. But it doesn’t feel that way sometimes because the pay off is way down the road. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about self-discipline using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Library of Congress 

Is failure necessary for success? Student success is often determined by achievements, like getting a job, acing a test, or winning a competition. Failure is seen as the opposite of success, and something to avoid at all costs. What if failure is necessary for success? Is it possible that without failure we can't achieve greatness? The relationship between success and failure is a complicated one that students must figure out on their own. Join Steve and Dan Fouts with Amy Fast, High School principal and author, for a conversation about success and how failure can be an integral part to developing confidence and a sense of purpose. Image source: Flikr | Yousuf Kars

Should you ever use anger to solve problems? Students must learn how to solve all kinds of problems. Some problems are academic; others are emotional. Perhaps the hardest problems involve communication and the navigation of complex human relationships. What makes these types of problems even more difficult is that anger often intervenes. Anger is a wild variable that can either diminish or enhance the capacity to find creative solutions. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about anger using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Flickr |  Christophet Michel

How do you know when you should change your values? Of the many elements of a strong character, none is more important than a person having a strong system of values. A person who has strong values stands for something, has a stable guide for behavior, and prevents him/herself from being taken advantage of. But, if a person is too rigid in their values, then that person becomes resistant to new ideas and opportunities. Developing the appropriate values to meet life's challenges is an enduring pursuit. Join Steve and Dan Fouts with Naim Sanders, elementary school principal and author, for a conversation about character and when it is important to stay true to our values and when we should reevaluate them in light of new realities. Image Source: Picryl | Ed Ford | Creative Commons

How do we know when to give up on change? We're always telling children that it's important not to complain about things and that it's always better to be part of the solution, rather than the problem. If you don't like your situation, then change it. We also tell children that it's important to know when you can't change things and to accept the world the way it is. In those situations it is our attitude that needs fixing. Knowledge of when to work towards change and when to accept the status quo is a form of wisdom only gained through experience. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about determination using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Flickr | York College ISLGP

What’s the best way to lead a happy life? When kids talk about strategies for living a happy life, they often talk about goals, like getting a great job or becoming famous. If they reach that goal, then that's clear evidence of success and deep satisfaction for having pursued something to completion. But, what about the relationships we build? They also shape our happiness in a meaningful way. Sorting what makes a person truly happy is challenging work. Join Steve and Dan Fouts with Emily Poole, third grade teacher, for a conversation about happiness and how depending on people and things may not be our best option for achieving it. Image: Pixabay | Creative Commons

Can we decide to be free? Freedom is an often used yet really complex concept. Many consider freedom something that is granted to them, something they don't have to work for. Others see freedom as something denied, and something that must be fought for. These different conceptions of freedom spring from different life experiences which are in turn shaped by a person's gender, race, and ethnicity. Steve and Dan Fouts are joined by educator John Corcoran to discuss how freedom means different things to different people and how achieving it isn't as easy for some as it is for others. Image Source: National Archief | Rob Croes | Creative Commons

What makes one person more powerful than another? We constantly compare ourselves to others, often concluding that they have it much better than we do. We spend much of life idolizing people, and in the process, give them power over us. Yet, what's lost here is the stark truth that other people have just as many insecurities and problems as we do and we probably would do better to focus on ourselves and to recognize the power we have to make the world better. Join Dan and Steve Fouts with Emir Davis, Director of Black Male Engagement at the Center for Black Educator Development, in a conversation about power in all its forms and why we are so quick to give it to others, or keep it for ourselves. Image source: Flickr | Virginia DeBolt| Creative Commons 

What is the best way to overcome your enemies? Enemies have a way of bringing out the worst in us. They make us act and think in mean ways. When we mimic the behaviors of our enemies we get revenge on them and feel a fleeting sense of accomplishment. But, maybe resisting anger is a better way to respond. That way we maintain self-control and draw attention to our enemies' negative behavior, and in the process, preserve our integrity. Steve and Dan Fouts are joined by educator Anat Hector-Brown to decide what is the best way to get revenge, or whether it's even necessary in order to achieve happiness. Image source: Pixabay

Is fighting the best way to get what you want? Conflict consumes people of all ages. What makes conflict so taxing is the uncertainty in knowing how to deal with it in healthy ways. The simplest way to think about resolving conflict with other people is to choose domination through force and confrontation and, in dramatic cases, violence. That action carries dramatic consequences. Then, there's the softer, kinder approach which has the same goal but often takes longer and requires a wellspring of patience. Our choices surrounding conflict dictate the health of our relationships and leave indelible marks on our own character. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about conflict using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Wikipedia

Do we control our own happiness? Teachers and parents alike espouse the value of focus. With focus, children appreciate the value of the moment and can learn to control their mind. Yet, phones and social media conspire to make focus difficult. The undisciplined mind, split from its foundation, shifts and drifts in different directions leaving tasks undone, leaving students feeling inadequate and powerless. Steve and Dan Fouts are joined by Evan Harrel and Laura Berland from the Center for Compassionate Leadership to explore the power of a disciplined mind and how it can not only foster compassionate leaders, but can also lead us to a peace and contentment we never knew was possible. Image source: Flikr | Christopher Michael | Creative Commons

How do you stay happy in a cruel world? When bad things happen, students have to make choices about how they'll protect themselves. Some choose to fight back against the people or events which caused them pain, thinking that they have the power to change the world into something better. Others recoil and focus on changing their internal attitude, hoping that by doing that they can maintain happiness no matter what happens. Join Steve and Dan Fouts with Adrienne Borders for a conversation about the best ways to navigate a cruel world. Should we turn inward and make our own happiness or is there a better way to build a shield so we can survive? Image source: Wikimedia Commons © Marie-Lan Nguyen

Do humble people make good leaders? To most students leadership is about confidence, being in front of the crowd, setting the example, and showing the way. Some assume that to be good leader you have to act the part, maintain that confident edge and undying belief in your own abilities. Another way to secure that edge is to be humble, and convince yourself that you haven't succeeded yet, there's more work to do. A humble attitude could be the key to leadership. Join Steve and Dan Fouts, Stephanie Wager, and Nadia Moreno for a conversation about how different cultures value unique leadership skills. Image: Wikimedia | Tom@HK

Should we worry about our future? It’s no secret that most kids tend to ‘live for the moment’ rather than planning for their futures. Living in the now has its benefits; instant gratification, less anxiety, and a sense of freedom. Worrying about what happens tomorrow ruins the present. But, maybe a little worry over the future is a good thing and makes people carefully consider their options in the moment to make sure the right choices are made and long-term happiness is secured. Join Steve and Dan Fouts and emerging educators, Suzy Dean and Shannon Renshaw, for a conversation about what living in the "now" really means and how it can make you an unforgettable teacher. Image source: Needpix

What is the purpose of school? Most teachers agree that skills and content are important components for a quality education. Debate erupts over which is more important. Some argue that teaching a person how to think should be the primary focus. Others argue that teaching content knowledge is more worthwhile. In the middle of this debate are the students who have very passionate ideas of what the purpose of school should be. Join Dan and Steve Fouts with Michael Strong, author and school innovator, for a conversation about what is really means to think and how teachers can help students learn the language of freedom through conversations. Image source: Wikipedia Images / Creative Commons

When is going against the crowd the right thing to do? Peer pressure is real. Many students choose to follow the crowd to avoid the repercussions of not following. They feel safer, less alone. It doesn’t mean the followers fully "buy in" to the crowd beliefs or actions, but the act of standing outside the crowd feels scary. Is there a good time to face that fear and go against the crowd? How does one do it and avoid being ostracized or humiliated by the crowd? Join Steve and Dan Fouts and special guest educators, Jim Plaza, Jason Janczak, and Paul Solarz, for an unforgettable conversation that you can recreate in your classroom! Image source: Pixabay

Are role models healthy for us? The old adage "Just be yourself" looks good on paper, but gets pretty scary in the real world when we must rely on our own instincts to make decisions. Dangers abound. What if we make a mistake and hurt somebody? These fears - fueled by lack of confidence - cause us to look to other people to do the thinking and acting for us. Our role models inspire us to be better, but sometimes they become convenient ways to escape the responsibility we have to be the best version of ourselves. Join Steve and Dan Fouts and special guests, Mary Ellen Wessels and Elizabeth Burgos, for an unforgettable conversation with great ideas for how to use Teach Different's 3-Step method for the classroom. Image source: Pixabay | Flybynight

What in life is actually in our control? The power of self-awareness isn't obvious to us. We may feel ourselves at the mercy of life, that life just happens to us. When things don't go our way, we may throw our energies into changing other people and events to make things right. But, maybe our efforts to change the world are futile. Maybe what we need to do is change our attitude about what happens, and that is the grandest expression of strength. Experience Teach Different's 3-Step conversation method with Steve and Dan Fouts and two veteran educators, Herb Baker and Carol Kravetz. See if you agree that happiness and strength are found in your own mind, not the outside world. Image: Pixabay | Serghei Topor

What makes somebody a hero? Everybody respects heroes because they rise above and do extraordinary things. Common wisdom sees heroism as something you attain from serving others. Think of the firefighter who saves lives, or the patient who fights off illness. But, maybe heroism doesn’t require such remarkable effort. Maybe if we put trust in who we are and emanate confidence, then that will make us a hero. Join Dan and Steve Fouts with guests, Joanna Wassillie and Josh Flug, for an unforgettable conversation about self-trust. Image source: Library of Congress

What is the best way to overcome our fears? Fear is a force that can be debilitating for kids and adults alike. Fear obstructs clear thinking and fuels anxiety in a way that makes it hard to work and be successful at anything. Uncertainty is often behind our fears. When we don’t know what to do, we become afraid of what the future has in store for us. Yet, sometimes knowing what to do actually inspires our fear. Successful management of our fears is a life-long challenge. Join Dan and Steve Fouts with Shaun Moriarty for a memorable conversation about fear. Image source: Wikimedia

Can we really make a difference in the world. When students are told they can change the world, many don't believe it. They think making the world a better place is for the people who are in power, not the average person, but doing small things can make a big difference.  What a person does in the classroom at his/her school, or in the community, can provide the soil for real change. It's hard work and it requires patience, hope, and faith in the future - virtues that can be difficult to cultivate. Join Steve and Dan Fouts with Karina Isley and Danielle Durbin for a memorable discussion about Anne Frank and civic engagement. Image source: Flickr | Greger Ravik

Should we strive for perfection? So many of our students feel pressure to be the perfect athlete, student, or friend. This feeling is accompanied by a pervasive fear of failure and the possibility that they might let others down. When we fall short of perfection, students have important decisions to make about whether to keep pursuing it or be okay with something less. The decisions they make shape their sense of self-worth and draw the contours of their relationships. Join Dan and Steve Fouts for a conversation about achievement using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Do you have to go through bad experiences to be a strong person? Everybody experiences struggle. Sometimes the struggle ends up making the person more self-confident, stronger and better able to move forward to the next challenge. But other times adversity breeds fear and inaction. Every struggle is an opportunity for students to make an ethical choice on how to respond in a way that helps them cope with the challenges they will face. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about education using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Pixabay

How do we know when to trust other people? Trust requires that you must set aside your feelings of suspicion and agree to work with people in good faith. Sometimes trust is difficult to attain, yet to live and solve problems with other people, we need to trust them. Trusting others will sometimes lead us into grim disappointment, but it can also restore our faith in people. Trust is a skill and must be practiced over time to see and reap its benefits. Join Dan and Steve Fouts for a conversation on trust using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia | Ritva Bäckman | Creative Commons

Do you have influence over the world? Students are in the midst of figuring out who they are and how they can influence the world. Some feel helpless because it seems that they were born into a difficult situation or have experienced an unfair share of pain and heartache. Others feel almost superhuman and think they have the power to change anything they want. The truth of self-determination is really a lifelong mystery to solve. Join Dan and Steve Fouts for a conversation on self-determination using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia | Angela Radulescu

Is sacrificing yourself for others always the right thing to do? Sacrifice requires that we do things today that don’t have immediate benefits for ourselves; but help others instead. Students have generous hearts but, for the most part, are focused on their own successes and sometimes resist the moral obligation to sacrifice for others. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about sacrifice using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Pixabay

What is the best way to raise your self esteem? All students know at some level what it feels like to be humiliated. When this happens, the person who is hurt has a decision to make, he/she can either buy into the criticism and be made to feel small and insignificant or he/she can resist feelings of inferiority and defeat the criticism through positive thinking. It takes energy to build and maintain a strong self-esteem in the midst of criticism and humiliation, but it's energy well spent and leads to the development of a strong character. Join teachers Dan and Steve Fouts for a conversation on self-esteem using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia | Creative Commons

What's the best way to deal with negative people? Negative people are everywhere, in the classroom, at home, or at the workplace. We often feel trapped and forced to be patient with people who bring us down. Sometimes we have the option of fleeing these situations, especially when negativity turns to hate. Escape from negative people can preserve our integrity and save our energies for people who bring out the best in us. Making smart choices about the people with whom we associate is really important for our chances for happiness. This podcast explores the nature of loyalty and the struggle that everyone has in knowing when and if they should let go of the people who are bringing them down. Image source: Wikimedia | Ron Kroon

Does a confident mindset guarantee success? There's no denying that confidence plays a role in success. What's harder to determine is just what kind of role. Some say that a confident mindset going into a task is the most important ingredient for success. Others say the only way to be confident is to actually achieve something first. Students must determine for themselves how to gain confidence in a way that supports their happiness and positive sense of self-worth. Join us for a conversation with Marcus Garvey around the quote "With confidence, you have won before you have started." We will break down the claim, counterclaim and essential question for the quote using Teach Different's 3-Step Conversation Method and you'll have a model to work with to introduce the conversation to your students. Image source: Library of Congress free images

Do you have to have critics to succeed? Taking constructive criticism can be difficult. It requires a person to resist the emotional need to lash back against people who point out flaws. Many people would rather hear words of encouragement because they carry with them the feeling of unconditional love and acceptance. Yet, being able to listen to suggestions for improvement is a really important life skill. Students must decide for themselves the unique role encouragement and criticism will play in their self-development. Join us for a conversation about a provocative quote from Malcolm X with educators from around the world. We will break down the claim, counterclaim, and essential question for the quote using Teach Different's 3-Step Method to provide a model for having this conversation with your students. Image source: Picryl | Ed Ford | Creative Commons

Can people learn no matter how old they are? While it is true that education is valuable to all of us at any age, it is also true that our energies and resources are limited and must be used wisely if we want to change the world into something better. Some say that children should be the focus because their minds are more easily shaped and influenced; others suggest that adults, who are actually in positions of power and influence, should take a front-and-center importance in our efforts to change minds and improve the world. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about education that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia | Matthew Brady

Do we control our own actions? Life throws unexpected events at us which take us by surprise. When crisis happens, we feel out of control. We are left to react in the best ways we can to protect ourselves and improve our situations, but we often feel like our actions don’t matter in the face of an indifferent world. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about stress management using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Flickr

Do you control your future? If there is one message we send consistently to our kids, it's this: your choices matter. We want them to see the world as a place where they are in control of what happens. If they make the right choices, happiness awaits them. If they choose the wrong path, life is unforgiving. What this simple admonition misses, though, is that sometimes life makes decisions for us, and we must spend our time reacting to it, rather than trying to control it. The challenge becomes how to develop a healthy and realistic sense of self-efficacy and to do the best we can. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about self-efficacy using the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Make sure you go to teachdifferent.com to learn more, and check out our library of conversation plans, where we’ve compiled dozens of quotes, each with their own claim, counterclaim, and essential question. Image source: Library of Congress | NYWT&S staff photo by Al Ravenna

Do you need loyalty to fight injustice? Sometimes doing the right thing means that you will face scorn and ridicule from other people. This opposition may take the form of angry words thrown against us. As much as these words hurt us, there is a different kind of pain we feel when those in whom we place our trust end up letting us down. Friends and enemies have the power to injure us and so we must find strategies for coping with both situations. Join Dan and Steve Fouts for a conversation about loyalty using the Teach Different 3-Step Conversation Method. Image Source: Library of Congress | Dick DeMarsico, World Telegram staff photographer

Do we have control over our own success? Setting aside the 19th century gender-biased language and applying the wisdom to all students, Thoreau is saying something important about success and positive thinking. If students believe they can succeed, then they are halfway home. The power of positive thinking is undeniable.  But, failure is also crucial for human development. Students must find a balance here between positive thinking and acceptance of their imperfections. Only then will they learn how to persevere. Join Dan and Steve Fouts for a conversation about perseverance using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikipedia | Benjamin D. Maxham

Do we have the power to make ourselves happy? Students think and talk about happiness all of the time. Some believe happiness is something we control and that if we just do the right things we will become happy. There are others who think of happiness as a byproduct of a good environment and not something we can control. The issue of whether we control our happiness is an important one because it determines whether or not a student develops a healthy capacity for self-motivation and goal-setting. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation on happiness using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia Commons | Tilemahos Efthimiadis | Creative Commons

How do you know when to put other people's needs above your own? Students of every age struggle with moral decisions about how to balance their own individual needs with the needs of others. Either way they decide, there is sacrifice. Focus on the individual and they must sacrifice others. Focus on others and they must sacrifice the individual. What's important is that students make a commitment to reflect deeply on ethical decisions before they make them and take responsibility for their choices. Join Dan and Steve Fouts for a conversation about responsibility using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia Commmons |  Angela Radulescu

Does diversity makes us stronger? Diversity is something many students confront for the first time in school. They are required to learn with students of different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, not to mention those who embrace different traditions, learning styles and ways of seeing the world. When students confront diversity, they confront moral choices on how to react to people who are different from them. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about diversity using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image Source: Flickr | Portal Abras

Should we question what we are sure of? All students have run across "know-it-alls," people who walk into a room and express supreme confidence with their knowledge. Being humble is seen as a sign of weakness. Humble students wait patiently, ask questions, and only speak when they are certain of something. Confidence and humility are equally noble traits. The life-long challenge is striking the right balance between the two and knowing when to express each. Join Dan and Steve Fouts for a conversation using the Teach Different 3-Step Method and discover how you too can have great conversations with your students. Image source: Wikimedia | Norto Mendez

What does it mean to be a friend? Students have strong opinions about friends. They are in the process of making friendships and ending them. Students have different perspectives on how many friends they should have. Some believe that friends should come in large numbers, while others believe the word 'friend' should be reserved for the very few. Forming healthy friendships is an important part of human development which requires thoughtful reflection and ethical decision-making. Join Dan and Steve Fouts for a conversation on friendship using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia Commons | Tilemahos Efthimiadis | Creative Commons

Do we have control of our future? Students are fed the consistent message that they can achieve anything in life if they work hard at it. They are in control of their future. Students are also aware that much of their future is out of their control. No matter how hard they try, they will never achieve certain things. These two forces, the internal force of their own desires and the external force of the world acting upon them, conspire to shape their life experiences. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation on self-determination using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Needpix.com | Creative Commons

How do you know when giving to others will make you happy? Happiness is something all students want. The challenge is how to get it. Students often get mixed messages here. On the one hand, they are told to focus on themselves and figure out a path towards happiness that benefits them directly. On the other hand, they are told that happiness can only be achieved by helping others. The choices they make in the quest for happiness shape their characters in profound ways. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Library of Congress

What's the best way to plan your life? Setting life goals is an activity we encourage young people to do. If you set goals for your future, then you will become happier and successful because you know what you want. That being said, it's very unclear just how we should plan out our lives. Is it better to set small attainable goals or long-term goals which are harder to see, but inspire us to do the daily work necessary? Goal-setting is an extremely important skill in school, work, and relationships. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method! Image source: Wikipedia | Allan Ramsay - National Portrait Gallery

Do you have the responsibility to be a role model for others? Many students assume they are just a number and don’t really matter in the world. They don’t think of themselves as role models with responsibilities to other people. Yet, like it or not, their behavior is being watched and they are having an influence on those around them in important, unseen ways. Becoming more aware of their impact makes students more compelled to act in ethical ways. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about responsibility that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Picryl | Al Ravenna

Is patience a virtue? Adults praise the importance of patience, telling kids that if they are patient and work hard over time, they'll be in a position to accomplish great things. Success doesn't comes easily, and it's important to develop a growth mindset to persevere. Sometimes a person's life experiences teach the opposite lesson; that going after what you want quickly and aggressively will lead to even greater accomplishments. Impatience can be a virtue as well. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about patience that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Flickr | York College ISLGP

Do you have control over your own success? Character development is at least as important as the development of academic skills. A strong character fuels self-discipline and self-motivation, both of which are important catalysts for success in life. Character development is hard work, especially when a person’s difficult life circumstances get in the way. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about character that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Library of Congress

Should great leaders follow? Students understand the dynamics of leadership firsthand, both from the perspective of being a follower of their teachers and being role models for their peers. They have strong opinions about how leaders should behave and what ethical responsibilities they should have to others. It’s important to give students space to reflect upon the qualities of good leadership. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about leadership that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia | Tom@HK

How do we know when forgiveness is the right thing to do? Students know what it feels like to be hurt. When they are hurt, they have choices to make about how to treat the people who hurt them. These choices give them opportunities to demonstrate empathy and respect for others and to preserve relationships, or break them off. Forgiveness is a moral choice which strikes at the heart of ethical decision-making. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for a conversation about forgiveness using  the Teach Different 3-Step conversation method. Be sure to visit teachdifferent.com to learn more, and to sign up for our FREE 30-day trial. You'll gain access to the Teach Different library of conversation plans Image source: Pixabay

Do you need to work with other people to be successful? The ability to work in a team is touted by teachers, employers, and coaches as an indispensable skill. Alone, people can accomplish great things, but when people work as a team the potential for success skyrockets. Students know this in theory, but when it comes to accepting the reality of working with others who have different styles and motivations, all of a sudden teamwork feels like a heavy burden. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about teamwork that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia Commons | Bryan Horowitz

Should we always tell the truth? Honesty is a character trait to which most people aspire. With honesty comes trust and respect from others. Without it comes fear, suspicion and betrayal. Students face daily ethical choices over whether or not they should pursue the path of honesty. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about honesty that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia

What does respect look like in the classroom? According to Emerson the key to learning is respecting the student. The learner has the keys to learning and teachers can teach anything by acknowledging the wisdom of students. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about respect that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikipedia

Should our feelings be the guide for our actions? Ask some people and they'll tell you to listen to your gut when you make decisions.  Ask others, and they'll say the mind. But no one really knows who the best teacher is. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about self-motivation that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Flickr | Creative Commons

Can you be happy without freedom? Happiness is about the most personal thing there is, and it comes in many shapes and sizes. If you ask Susan B. Anthony, it always involves freedom. Independence gives us the greatest joy. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about freedom that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia

What's the best way to earn respect? We all want respect. It's how we know we matter. You might think there a lot of ways to earn respect but if you ask Confucius, there is only one true way, respect yourself, and others will respect you. Tell that to an enemy who doesn't care what you think of yourself. They want you to show them you deserve respect. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about respect that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia | Kevin Smith NYC

How do we know when someone is telling the truth?; The truth is, we never really know. Chief Joseph's quote states that you could get a good idea by how many words they use. The more we keep talking, the less we can be trusted. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about communication that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Picryl | Library of Congress Public Domain

How do we know when to be silent? There are times when words are helpful and there are times when we talk too much. According to civil rights activist Audre Lorde, you have to speak up, especially when you see an injustice. Your silence will never protect you. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about self-expression that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia Commons | Elsa Dorfman

Should we question what we are sure of? Everyone thinks they know something, and we all question some things, but very few people question what they think they know. Socrates declared that he knows he knows nothing. If this is tying your mind in pretzels, just think about what you value more, confidence or humility. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about humility that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia | Norto Mendez

Is goal-setting necessary for success? Success doesn't come easy. We all know that. But, not everybody would agree with Lao Tzu, that goals themselves are the problem. To Lao Tzu, in order to be good at something you have to give up your goals and appreciate the moments you have along the way. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about goal-setting that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia | Tom@HK

How do we know when to have hope? One of the hardest skills to develop is the ability to see the world from different perspectives. This skill is especially difficult during crises like the Coronavirus where all around us we see despair, social dislocation and loneliness. Everything tells us to lose hope. It is during these hard times, however, that we have fresh opportunities to see differently in ways that can improve our mental health. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about responsibility that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia

How do we know when we should intervene to solve problems? For most of us, when we see a problem, we try to solve it. The father of medicine, Hippocrates, suggests we hesitate. Some problems fix themselves and the best remedy is to leave them alone. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about problem solving that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Flickr | Raed Mansour

How do we know when we should put others ahead of ourselves? Everybody wants to get ahead. No one wants to be left behind. Dr. Seuss reminds us that there is so much to find when we don't fall behind. Let's just hope that we don't get too ambitious and forget about our responsibility to others. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about ambition that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia

Should we have the freedom to disobey rules? Some people think that freedom gets in the way, that we should all conform because that's what rules are for. Ask Henry David Thoreau and you'll get a very different response to this question. Disobeying is exactly what we should be doing. That's what freedom is. Which argument wins out when it comes to wearing masks in a pandemic? Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about civil disobedience that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikipedia | Benjamin D. Maxham

Should we avoid bad people? Kids are in the midst of making so many ethical choices about the types of people they should be hanging out with. There is peer pressure to spend time with friends who may make questionable life choices but whose approval is important for a child’s self-esteem. Friendship advice from parents, coaches and other authority figures often go unheard because they conflict with what kids believe inside. Decisions on which company to keep are never easy but they are integral to the healthy moral development of human beings. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about character that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikipedia |  John Trumbull

Is doing the right thing the best way to influence others? There are people in power, and there are people who want to do right. These two people are not always the same. Lincoln claims that doing what's right is what gives us power, but what happens when there is a rule or a law we have to follow that we think is unfair? Listen in to a conversation with Steve and Dan Fouts about the best way to influence others. Image source: Needpix.com | Creative Commons

What does it take to succeed? Going through hard times is something most everybody has to do. Some people face hardship and turn away. They become discouraged and think that success is unattainable. Others see hardship as an opportunity for self-motivation, goal-setting and a fresh re-evaluation of values. Students must determine whether to see hardship as a barrier or an opportunity, and accept the consequences underlying the choices they make. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about hardship that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia

What is the best way to find happiness? Happiness is one those concepts that students talk and think about a lot, but rarely define. They are encouraged to motivate themselves to set goals to achieve happiness but the path is never laid out with any clarity. Reflecting on what happiness actually is can help students become more self-aware of what they value in life. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about happiness that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Facebook | Jerry Heiman

Do we have control of our future? Students are fed the consistent message that they can achieve anything in life if they work hard at it. They are in control of their future. Students are also aware that much of their future is out of their control. No matter how hard they try, they will never achieve certain things. These two forces, the internal force of their own desires and the external force of the world acting upon them, conspire to shape their life experiences. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about self-determination that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Needpix | Creative Commons

When is the right time to put your own needs above others? Students must make decisions in life about how to treat themselves and others. There is a tension in deciding whose needs should assume greater importance. Sometimes the selfish instinct takes over and there is a laser-like focus on individual needs. Other times, the selfless attitude leads the way. Making wise and balanced decisions about when to serve the self or other people is an important component to living a good life. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about self-development that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia

Should you always follow the rules? Everywhere a student goes there are rules, at home, in the classroom, and in society. The effectiveness of these rules depends on people's willingness to obey them. Students like to question the rules, especially when they feel the rules are unjust or intrude on their happiness in some way. Students must engage in hard intellectual work in deciding when to follow rules and what criteria to use to determine fairness. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about responsibility that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia

Do you have to go through suffering to be a good person?   Suffering is a fact of life. Sometimes the suffering occurs on an individual level; others times it is shared with others. People react to suffering in very different ways. Some become bitter while others use the suffering as a motivating force to help other people. Suffering causes reflection and sets the framework for our ethical choices around what type of person we want to become. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about suffering that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikipedia | Étienne Carjat 

Is dreaming good for us? Ask the students what they dream about and you are sure to get a wild variety of interesting answers. Students dream all of the time and some use them to set lofty goals for their life pursuits. Others see dreams as fake pictures of reality. However they are viewed, thinking about dreams is a chance for students to become more self-aware about what they value and what they really want out of life. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about dreams that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia | Horatio Seymour Squyer

How do we know when we should be afraid? Fear is an emotion we can all identify with. Fear causes stress and discomfort, and makes us do things we would not otherwise do. People react to fear in different ways, some remain calm, others lose control of their mind which causes even more distress. Dealing with fear in productive ways is an important life skill that helps us manage stress. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about fear that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Bill of Rights Institute

Is social distancing healthy for us? The Coronavirus outbreak of 2020 has driven society into isolation. Schools are closed, and businesses are shut down. Our social lives have stopped functioning, and we’re at home with much more alone time. Isolation can breed some sadness and despair, but also offers a chance for us to reflect and evaluate our lives in a positive and meaningful way. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about isolation that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Flickr | Christiaan Tonnis

Do all people deserve kindness? When students interact with others, they have a lot of moral decisions to make. It’s hard for them to decide exactly how to treat other people, especially strangers. They often don’t have much information to go on and must rely on their intuitive judgements and best guesses. How they decide to act reflects deeply upon their characters. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about kindness that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia | Calidius

What's the best way to convert an enemy to a friend? Every student knows a little something about enemies and conflict. They don’t get along with everybody and these inevitable conflicts force them to make choices about how to treat other people. These choices have real consequences as they impact their capacities to build and sustain friendships. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about conflict that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Library of Congress | Dick DeMarsico, World Telegram staff photographer

Can you be successful in life without doing what you love? Success, students are told, comes from doing well in school, building friendships, and finding the right career. The only problem is they aren’t told exactly how to find this success and whether actually loving what they do should even be a consideration. As a result, it’s important for students to develop a self-awareness around what success means to them and how they plan to get it. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about success that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Flickr | ©York College ISLGP

Do you need knowledge or imagination to have influence in the world? Some students are dreamers who live comfortably thinking about a world not yet created. Then, there are the ‘down to earth’ students who find comfort in facts. These two groups often clash during group projects when there’s a need for a clear vision of an end goal and a clear, step-by-step plan to get it done. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about responsibility that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image: Pixabay

Is anger always self-destructive? Anger is an emotion that all of us have to manage throughout our lives. Students get angry with their teachers, friends, and parents. It’s important for them to develop a self-awareness around their anger so that they can decide when getting angry, or remaining calm, is the right response to a situation which aggrieves them. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about anger that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source:Wikimedia | Tom@HK

What does it take to be happy? Students think that more is better - more money, influence, friends and good grades. The idea of cutting back on desire isn’t attractive, yet we can’t have it all. Throughout life students must make smart choices about what they want and how much. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about happiness that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia

How do we know if working with others will make us better off? Cooperation is not a foreign concept for students. They are told at all stages of life that it is important to cooperate with others. It is also the case that they are expected to be self-reliant and not afraid to accept the hard work that comes with doing things alone. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about cooperation that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Picryl 

How do you know when you should speak out against injustice? Responsibility is a scary word for students. It means that they should take ownership over their own thoughts and actions and not blame others for what happens. Sometimes other people’s actions impact their lives and force them to consider what they should or should not do. Feelings of responsibility strike at the heart of ethical decision-making. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about responsibility that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Wikimedia

Should we trust people with power? Students are no strangers to power. They have parents, coaches, and teachers exerting power over them and telling them what to do. Students slowly develop a moral sensibility towards authority figures and are quick to point out when they feel power is being used in negative and positive ways. Join Steve and Dan Fouts for an unforgettable conversation about social awareness that you can recreate in your classroom using the Teach Different 3-Step Method. Image source: Picryl

There’s only one thing that can capture student attention in an age of social media and an education system focused on data-driven instruction, and that’s unforgettable classroom conversations.  Listen to Teach Different co-founders Steve and Dan Fouts describe a way of teaching that can recapture the human connection that’s being lost in the noise.

Listen to Teach Different's co-founder, Dr. Steven Fouts, share the story of Jarvis and how Teach Different's 3-Step Method was born in the fall of 2017 in a classroom.