Politics in the Classroom √ §
How can we facilitate healthy classroom dialogue?
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 · 12 - 1 PM · Online · REGISTER HERE OR
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 · 12 - 1:30 PM · Engineering : 102 · REGISTER HERE
In any discipline, there are opportunities to connect classroom teaching to political issues. Especially during an election season, students are often interested in having such discussions with their peers and faculty, even in courses that are not explicitly related to politics. However, the potential for conflict, strong emotions, and the messiness that can often accompany political discussions may make instructors feel anxious about how to navigate them in the classroom. Nevertheless, facilitating respectful, civil discussion around political topics and, where possible, making connections to your course content can help students see the relevance of your subject to issues of concern to them. Join us for a workshop, led by Dr. Ricky Blissett with UMBC's Center for Democracy and Civic Life, on how to facilitate healthy classroom dialogue about politics.
This session is co-sponsored by the Faculty Development Center and the Center for Democracy and Civic Life.
Shaping Classroom Culture and Responding to Disruptions √ §
Create a positive classroom culture to maximize learning
Friday, October 18, 2024 · 12 - 1:15 PM · Online · REGISTER HERE OR
Monday, October 21, 2024 · 12 - 1:30 PM · Engineering : 102 · REGISTER HERE
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, students think about classrooms, both virtual and physical spaces, differently than they used to. You may have noticed that student expression and thinking have become more polarized, politically and otherwise. National and international confrontations and challenges may be spilling over into your classroom. Meanwhile, you aim to create a positive classroom culture that maximizes opportunities for students to learn the course content, while also maintaining freedom of expression and civil behavior.
In this workshop we will look at some possible sources of student behavior that may disrupt the harmony of your class, share strategies for dealing with disruptions or uncivil behavior, and discuss how to foster a positive classroom environment to mitigate the potential for incivility. Participants will discuss several scenarios in small groups and will learn about UMBC’s policies and processes for handling disruptive or uncivil student behavior.
This session is co-sponsored by the Faculty Development Center and the Division of Student Affairs.