Learning activity

Transformative Learning: Group discussion and self-reflection

Support students in analyzing and engaging with alternative perspectives through guided discussion

Download template

Use template

Created by:

Marion Marx

ESSEC Business School

Pedagogy

Learning outcome

Critical thinking

Prep time

Intermediate (10-30 min)

Activity type

Learning Activity

Why this learning activity?

Learning activities targeting high-order skills like this one can help you activate students more effectively. This learning activity will help you with:

Analyze and engage with alternative perspectives

Through discussion, debate, or role-play, students analyze diverse viewpoints, assess underlying reasoning and biases, and build intellectual flexibility for navigating complex issues

Button Text

Develop empathy and active listening skills

In structured dialogue, students practice empathetic listening, respectful critique, and open-minded discussion, refining their understanding of and response to opposing views

Button Text

Reflect on insights gained and recognize shifts in thinking

After the discussion, students explain how their views evolved, noting challenges to assumptions, deeper insights, and shifts in perspective that foster self-awareness and growth

Button Text

Activity setup

Activity steps Activity goals Tools used In this activity

Transformative Learning: Group discussion and self-reflection

Start using this template

Download template

Use template

Activity steps

Read instructions: Students carefully review the instructions and learning outcomes of the activity.
Discussion posts: Each student writes a post in the discussion forum articulating their perspective on a topic
Peer discussion: Students respond to their peers posts, engaging in respectful dialog and acknowledging different viewpoints
Reflection: After the discussion, students reflect on the activity and how it influenced their understanding and own point of view ‍
Grading: Grading is based on students submitting their post, engaging in the peer discussion and writing a reflection

Learning Activities Used

Discussion on Topic

Meaningful learning interactions to nurture critical and reflective thinking

In this activity

While it can be used individually, this activity is part of Transformative Learning learning journey
Transformative Learning principles are incorporated, allowing students to critically examine and empathically confront their worldviews, habitual behaviors, and cognitive biases.
A reflection step after the discussion is added to encourage students to assess whether the activity has influenced their original view point.

‍