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Visualize it
It is not too soon to visualize the first day of class. Picture the social distancing, classrooms at half capacity, lecturing and discussing through masks. Imagine the stress this adds to the anxieties many students already bring with them to class. Learners need to feel they are in a safe and stable environment in order to engage with the material, each other, and the teacher. In this new normal we need to pay extra attention to setting a supportive tone and creating the right conditions for learning. It is going to be a bit weird for everybody, but it is our job as teachers to put on our professor pants and lead the way!
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
The Trauma-Informed Teaching and Learning approach focuses on how personal and collective traumas impact and impair learning in so many ways -- and how teachers can adapt and respond. This may be a good lens to help you visualize how course design, communication, the syllabus , handouts, and instructor presence should look and feel for the new normal. Social Work educator and researcher Janice Carello shares the principles below and some great resources here. 
The following trauma-principles can be applied in classroom, department, and college-wide settings.

  1. Physical, Emotional, Social, and Academic Safety Efforts are made to create an atmosphere that is respectful of the need for safety, respect, and acceptance for in both individual and group interactions, including feeling safe to make and learn from mistakes.
  2. Trustworthiness and transparency Trust and transparency are enhanced by making expectations clear, ensuring consistency in practice, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and minimizing disappointment.
  3. Support and Connection Individuals and groups are connected with appropriate peer and professional resources to help them succeed academically, personally, and professionally.
  4. Collaboration and Mutuality Opportunities exist to provide input, share power, and make decisions. Individuals and groups act as allies rather than as adversaries to reach common goals.
  5. Empowerment, Voice, and Choice Individuals and groups are empowered to make choices and to develop confidence and competence.
  6. Social Justice Individuals and groups strive to be aware of and responsive to forms of privilege and oppression in order to respect one another’s diverse experiences and identities.
  7. Resilience, Growth, and Change Strengths and resilience are emphasized over deficiencies and pathology. Feedback is provided to convey optimism and to facilitate growth and change.

Ted Talk Lunch and Learn
Friday June 19th, 2020 at Noon
During these sessions, we'll watch a Ted Talk and participate in a brief discussion. Bring a snack or your lunch but mute your mic while you munch.

Ted Talk Happy Hour  
Tuesday June 23rd at 4PM
It's like a lunch and learn, but later in the day. Bring your favorite beverage, to a screening of a Ted Talk and participate in a discussion.

Course Innovation Camp
July 15-17, Morning and Afternoon Sessions

Pedagogy Preppers
Prep for all course contingencies come Fall. Join one of the two cohorts for an interactive online workshop session followed by online discussion and consultation sessions for the following two weeks.
July 1st Cohort
Meets Wednesday July 1st, 9AM-Noon
July 8th & 15th, Noon-1PM
July 23rd Cohort
Meets Thursday July 23rd 9AM-Noon
July 30th & August 6th Noon-1PM