Classroom Challenge

Teaching in the Wake of a Tragedy

Our thoughts and best wishes go out to everyone affected by the tragic events at the Boston Marathon. We are aware that particular teaching challenges can arise in the wake of such shared trauma, and our website includes resources that were developed by CRLT to support instructors facing such challenges. You can click here to find a range of guidelines for discussing difficult topics with students. Especially relevant items include the guidelines for teaching in the aftermath of the September 11th tragedies. Key suggestions on that page for productively discussing such events include:

  • Consider supportive ways to open and close such a discussion
  • Create a framework for the discussion, using specific questions to guide student contributions
  • Allow everyone a chance to talk, but don't force students to participate
  • Where possible, explore links to the content of your course or discipline

Other helpful resources in the wake of the Boston events include this article on student perceptions of more and less helpful faculty responses to public violence and tragedy. The authors, Therese A. Huston and Michele DiPietro, discuss their findings that even a simple, brief recognition of the occurrence--and an acknowledgment that students may be experiencing distress--can make a big difference. Students appreciate their teachers' acknowledging public tragedies, even in courses where the material does not seem relevant to the events. 

As always, CRLT consultants are also available to consult with individual instructors about effective ways to respond to such events. In the face of such shocking violence, we at CRLT feel fortunate to witness the tremendous good accomplished by U-M teachers every day.  Read more »

Submitted by tbraun on Tue, 04/16/2013 - 8:21am
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Classroom Challenge: Encouraging Student Participation

Having trouble getting students to speak up in class? This is one of the most common challenges we hear about when consulting with faculty about their teaching. Below are some resources you might find helpful if you're trying to increase student participation in your classes.

This section of the "Solve a Teaching Problem" tool at Carnegie Mellon's Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence offers a range of teaching strategies to encourage student participation. The site invites teachers first to consider why students might be reluctant to join the conversation (Are they unprepared? unaccustomed to contributing in class? uncomfortable sharing certain kinds of ideas with their peers? unsure what you're looking for as an instructor?) and then suggests tailored solutions. 

Here on the CRLT website, we provide a range of resources to support your success in teaching discussion-based classes. See this page of Discussion-Based Teaching Strategies for ideas about how to get good conversations started, develop a classroom environment in which students engage readily, and manage several issues that can arise in a discussion--from dominators to classroom controversy.   Read more »

Submitted by tbraun on Mon, 02/04/2013 - 1:17pm
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Classroom Challenge: Controversial Topics

In the wake of the recent vandalism in Haven Hall and the run-up to Election Day, many U-M instructors are thinking right now about how they can most productively address potentially controversial topics in their classrooms. Our website features many resources to help you...

  • Introduce potentially controversial content
  • Facilitate productive discussion of sensitive topics
  • Handle “hot moments” in class
  • Address conflicts between students

Click here for a list of resources on these topics and more. You can also request a consultation with a one of CRLT's professional staff if you want to discuss additional strategies for creating effective inclusive learning environments in your classroom.  

What strategies have you found productive for inclusive discussion of hot topics? Please share your ideas in the comments section.
Submitted by tbraun on Wed, 10/24/2012 - 10:51am
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