Submitted by Kris Boone, boone.3@osu.edu
Faculty and Staff – I encourage you to participate on the town halls hosted by the Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning. Each of them focuses on very important topics – building connections, inclusivity, integrating resources. These topics would be important any time, but certainly more so the given the strains of teaching and learning and supporting teaching and learning in a pandemic.
Thank you for considering this,
Kris
Join us for teaching for student success town halls
Dear colleagues,
As we prepare for an increased number of online classes and another unprecedented semester this fall, we want to make sure you have the resources you need for both you and your students to succeed.
To that end, we’ve organized a series of three town halls we’re calling Teaching for Student Success in Autumn and Beyond.
The town halls are geared toward instructors and teaching assistants but are open to all Ohio State faculty and staff. They’re a collaboration of individuals from multiple campuses, colleges and units across the university and were organized with guidance and input from students.
Registration is required. So, please register for the sessions below and submit any questions you’d like us to address in the town halls.
Teaching for Student Success in Autumn and Beyond: Reducing stress and building connection
Tuesday, July 28, 3–4 p.m.
According to a university-wide COVID-19 survey conducted this spring, instructors face challenges in both transitioning to new ways of teaching and finding ways to connect with their students. Similarly, students find difficulties in accessing technology, their instructors and each other. The first session in the Teaching for Student Success in Autumn and Beyond series will present a variety of strategies for establishing and maintaining a rapport with students so that mutual stress decreases and the learning experience is enhanced for all.
Teaching for Student Success in Autumn and Beyond: Creating inclusive learning spaces, wherever and however they occur
Tuesday, August 4, 3–4 p.m.
As demonstrated in a university-wide survey conducted this spring, COVID-19 has presented new challenges for many students while amplifying existing challenges for vulnerable populations. Additionally, as the world takes a stand on racial injustice and pushes to elevate diverse voices, there comes an opportunity to create learning environments that are more inclusive and welcoming and that honor the diverse needs and preferences of students. This session, the second in the Teaching for Student Success in Autumn and Beyond series, will illuminate ways to thoughtfully address diversity in the classroom while also building awareness about the particular needs of students during the time of COVID-19.
Teaching for Student Success in Autumn and Beyond: Integrating resources and pathways for support
Tuesday, August 11, 3–4 p.m.
According to a university-wide COVID-19 survey conducted this spring, students are struggling with a number of issues, including food insecurity, access to technology and internet connection, transitions to virtual learning, loss of income, uncertainty about housing and mental health challenges. Students in these circumstances will certainly struggle in unique ways in their courses as they encounter gaps in their basic needs. This session, the third in the Teaching for Student Success in Autumn and Beyond series, will showcase resources and pathways for support that when integrated into courses can make a powerful difference for students.
Best,
Liv Gjestvang
Associate Vice President for Learning Technology
Rob Griffiths
Associate Vice President of Distance Education
Kay Halasek
Director, Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning
Beth Hume
Vice Provost for Student Academic Success
Dean of Undergraduate Education
Helen Malone
Vice Provost for Academic Policy and Faculty Resources