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.