Resources for Teaching through the Election
Following Dr. Howard’s message on October 20 and recognizing the heightened unease, anxiety, or tension our students may be experiencing, the Center for Academic Innovation would like to offer additional resources for approaching conversations and instruction during the next few weeks. Several of the resources also offer guidance for nurturing your own mental health and wellbeing as an instructor.
First, we want to highlight the workshop co-sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Student Development and Learning Resources, “Communicating Across the Political Divide,” Tuesday, October 27, 12:45 – 2:30pm. Register on My Chemeketa using CRN 42995.
Next, Harvard University’s Teaching and Learning lab curated a resource on Teaching in Times of Strife and Trauma. Below are excerpts of the more relevant resources.
TEACHING DURING ELECTIONS
- Preparing to Teach about the 2020 Election (and After) (U-Michigan Center for Research on Learning & Teaching)
- ACT to Sustain Learning (Stanford Center for Teaching and Learning)
- Teaching and the Election(University of Oregon Teaching Engagement Program)
DISCUSSING DIFFICULT TOPICS
- Guide for Handling Hot Moments (University of Michigan CRLT)
- Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or High-Stakes Topics (University of Michigan CRLT)
- Facilitating Hot Moments in Classroom Discussion (HGSE Teaching & Learning Lab)
- Difficult Dialogues (Vanderbilt Center for Teaching and Learning)
TEACHING IN TRAUMATIC TIMES
- Trauma-Informed Teaching & Learning Online in a Global Health Crisis (Columbia School of Social Work)
- Trauma-Informed Practices for Post-Secondary Education: A Guide (Education Northwest)
- Are You Experiencing Compassion Fatigue? (American Psychological Association)
- Brené Brown on Empathy (RSA Shorts)
Finally, faculty should not feel obligated to initiate conversations or engage with topics that lie outside of their curriculum, discipline, or expertise. We are sharing these materials as a resource for you should you have need of them or are looking for guidance on respectful communication during uncomfortable discussions. We hope they offer some just-in-time strategies as well as food for thought.
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