More than just disciplinary knowledge: The Classroom Ecosystem
In ecosystems, organisms have relationships with one another. In some cases, like in the case of an instructor-student relationship, both organisms receive a mutual benefit (hooks, 1994). Traditionally, in higher education, the students receive knowledge while the instructor learns from and with the students as they engage in the learning process. During this unprecedented time, we must still provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the future. Yet, given the haphazard manner in which courses were transitioned to remote learning, we must find other ways to ensure students are getting what they need from a course. This should include modeling empathy and care.
One way to do this is to check-in with students. Depending on the size of the class this can take multiple forms ranging from class polls/surveys to literally sharing verbally. Asking if everyone is well and safe, allows for you (the instructor) to monitor each student’s personal wellbeing. You can even ask them what they need and what they can give on any given day (Whitney, 2020). If they indicate that they are not well, you can refer them to the appropriate university resources. You can also express to the students any frustrations or complications you are experiencing due to the circumstances as an example of vulnerability. When you are the role model for discussing difficult topics and when you model bravery it communicates that, whatever the student is feeling, their feelings are valid, and they should not be ashamed of them. Hopefully, this signaling to the students that during difficult times everyone is struggling to make sense of things. Additionally, the start of class may be a good time to let students know how they can connect with on-campus resources. Providing the phone number and/or website for resources on the lecture slide or class website would be helpful. Simply by providing these resources to students you are signally that they should take advantage of what is available. That is important because university services are still available to students remotely. This endorsement of services publicly helps remove the negative stigma of accessing these resources.