I want to encourage a more constructive discussion of controversial religious issues in the classroom.

First of all, create the right atmosphere that is conducive to calm and reasoned conversation, with the critical faculties fully engaged.

Characteristics of an atmosphere conducive to reasoned and principled discussion:

- Willingness to listen and understand the views of others
- Visible fairness and equality, often experienced as reciprocity: if I listen with acceptance to you, I expect you to do likewise
- Respect manifested in words, tone of voice, body language
- Views are reported and responded to accurately, without distortion, exaggeration or ridicule
- Critique is delivered on an accurate exposition of the others views, not a misrepresentation; it is impersonal rather than directed to the individual or personal characteristics; it gives appropriate grounds

Quick tricks for creating and protecting the positive atmosphere

The fastest way to calm an angry person down is for them to feel understood and respected and not threatened. If you simply summarise what they are saying, it accomplishes all these three things at once.

1.It shows that they are worth listening to.
2.It shows that you have understood them.
3.It shows that you are not going to write off their views and make fun of them.

Secondly think of some creative activities apart from ordinary discussion and debate, which can help keep people focusedon a task or issue rather than on verbal combat for its own sake.

Thirdly, you might like to define your limits and boundaries - know what you don't want.

Define what your limits are

Get clear in your own mind what your limits are – for example, you may want to have a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion, but avoid conflict or controversy, Or you may want to stir up some controversy, but you surely have some limits or principles that you don't want violated – or negative consequences you want to avoid.

Identify your own boundaries using any of the following techniques:

- Fill in the blanks: 'I don't mind … but not …' — 'People can do what they like as long as …'
- Define the principles that you stand for. Some may be more important than others. For example, how much do you value: honesty? Accuracy? Freedom of speech? Diversity of opinion? Respect? Vigorous debate? Peaceful dialogue? Or anything else you can think of.
- Visualise scenes that you definitely wouldn't want to happen and then scenes you could live with. What are the differences between the two?

Then do some of the following as appropriate:

- Make a list of 'principles' that you follow
- Make a list of 'boundaries' not to be crossed
- Invent some 'policies'. This is a good way of creating and protecting your boundaries. It sounds less personal and more powerful to say, 'I'm sorry, we have a policy…'