This Week for Faculty: Creating a High Trust, Low Stress Class Environment
Featured Resource: Creating a High Trust, Low Stress Class Environment
For students to do their best learning, and to support a classroom environment that is inclusive for all learners, it’s important for instructors to create a high trust, low stress environment (Hammond, 2019). In a high trust classroom environment, students feel that they belong; they feel heard and are comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and taking risks because they are told that mistakes are part of the learning process. In a low stress classroom environment, instructors show that they care about their students by setting clear expectations and accommodating course policies, being available to students and providing feedback, and meeting students where they are in their learning. When combined, high trust and low stress in the classroom, leads to a greater sense of belonging and inclusivity, and much richer learning opportunities for students.
But what does a high trust, low stress environment look like in practice? Check out the Creating a High Trust, Low Stress Class Environment resource for several strategies that instructors can leverage throughout the semester to help foster a high trust, low stress environment with students.
Teaching Post-Election
Teaching after an election can be a stressful time for students and instructors alike. Seize the opportunity to engage in ongoing community building in your classroom and to revisit or establish guidelines for dialogue. Tend to your well-being so that you are able to be present in the classroom. Consider what aspects of your course may be unintentionally causing stress and pose barriers to student learning. Ensure course assessments do not add to stress levels. Explore the CTL resources Assessing Equitably with All Learners in Mind and Alternative Grading Approaches: Grading for Learning for tips.
Resources:
Upcoming sessions
Navigating HOT Moments: Before, During, & After Class
November 18, 12:00pm-1:00pm
This session will also be offered December 4
Related resource: Navigating Heated, Offensive, and Tense (HOT) Moments in the Classroom
Faculty Book Discussion Group: Teaching with AI
November 21, 3:00-4:00pm
Related resource: Teaching and Learning in the Age of AI
Ways to Be More Inclusive in Your Course
November 26, 11:00am-12:00pm
Related resource: Guide for Inclusive Teaching at Columbia
The CTL is here to help!
Connect via Zoom or phone
Join us for office hours via Zoom (or phone) Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm to have your teaching with instructional technology questions answered, or schedule an appointment any time by contacting ColumbiaCTL@columbia.edu.
Schedule a consultation
Schedule a consultation to discuss any teaching and learning need by emailing ctlfaculty@columbia.edu or email the CTL Learning Designer assigned to your school or department.