Challenging Conversations in the Classroom: Strategies for Communicating with Students (For Graduate Students and Teaching Assistants)

Student in-class contributions can challenge and derail instructors' teaching plans, but effective management can turn challenges into opportunities. This interactive workshop is designed to help you do just that - tailoring response techniques to match your style. In this 90-minute session, we will connect with other instructors, discuss common challenging conversations, and collaboratively strategize on how to best lead our students during these conversations. To assist in this process, facilitator Christy Kunkle, professor of Communication Studies, offers several research-based strategies that fit various interpersonal and instructional styles. We welcome any graduate students and teaching assistants to attend!

Facilitator: Dr Christy Kunkle, WVU Department of Communication Studies

Date:  Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Time: 8:30am - 10:00am 

Format: Virtual (Zoom) 

Link to join meeting: https://wvu.zoom.us/j/96396953169 ;

Register here: https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cI5fwnO8S56YvQO

Questions? Contact Dr. Christy Kunkle at Christine.Kunkle@mail.wvu.edu