Guidelines For Instructors Handling
Class Discussion of the Tsunami

If you are teaching this term, you may want to discuss aspects of the catastrophe in class, or the subject may come up spontaneously because of your course content or because the tragedy is such an emotionally powerful topic.

• If students mention the catastrophe, you may want to acknowledge the value of having a discussion but, in fact, defer discussion until you have a plan to handle it. In lieu of discussion, you could ask students to write briefly on the topic, and then you could summarize and present their ideas and reactions at the next class session. If you find you are not ready to handle the topic, do not feel obliged to do so.

• If you decide to initiate discussion of the tsunami in the context of your course:

• Be sure to allow enough time so that you will not have to abbreviate a productive discussion.
• Create a direction and purpose for the discussion, e.g., a clear framework, a connection to your class content and goals, or an acknowledgement of this significant event.
• Expect the topic to stir powerful emotions, and be attentive to the human and emotional toll the tragedy is taking and the impact of information disseminated by you and others.
• Give students an opportunity to respond privately to the emotional impact of images and information (e.g., through writing) before moving on to process that information analytically.
• Explicitly acknowledge the difference in types of comments made during discussion, distinguishing between emotional comments and informational or analytical ones. You can help students understand one another better if you assist them in seeing the different orientations of each other’s statements.
• Understand that students will have varying reactions to the discussion, and some will prefer to remain silent.
• Be sure to have a strategy for bringing the discussion to a close. Again, a short writing exercise might be helpful. You could also remind students of ways they might be of assistance or take action by referring them to the U.S. government's website, http://www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/Asia_Tsunamis.shtml, which offers a wide variety of information resources and links to fundraising efforts and relief organizations.

• If you want help in planning a class session or debriefing a session where the topic came up, email crlt@umich.edu (and a consultant will contact you) or call 764-0505.

• If you have suffered personal loss and need assistance, contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP): http://www.umich.edu/~fasap/

• If you have students who are troubled and need assistance, suggest they contact Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): http://www.umich.edu/~caps/

Letter from President Mary Sue Coleman, Provost Paul Courant, and
Vice President Royster Harper regarding Community Response to Tsunami Disaster

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