Teaching and Learning in Times of Social Unrest
In times of social unrest, the classroom can be an important space for engaging with sensitive topics. Educators play a significant role in facilitating discussions that promote understanding and respect. This page offers resources to help you manage difficult conversations, encourage dialogue, and effectively support students. Whether dealing with current events, political conflicts, or discussions about identity, these resources aim to foster a constructive and empathetic learning environment. Also, review our page, Guidance on Sensitive Topics, for more information.
Please join us on Wednesday, October 23, 12 - 1:30pm for a workshop on Teaching and Learning in Times of Social Unrest to discuss strategies, classroom scenarios, and ask questions. Register on Eventbrite.
The TLTC is here to support you. Please contact us if you'd like additional assistance or a 1:1 consultation. We're committed to ensuring you have the resources and guidance to navigate these topics in your classrooms.
Addressing Specific Topics
Navigating political discussions during election periods can be challenging due to heightened emotions and differing viewpoints. Creating a respectful environment where students feel safe expressing their opinions is crucial. For strategies and resources on managing these conversations, explore Talking Politics from the AAC&U Institute for Democracy & Higher Education.
Discussing conflict and war requires sensitivity to students' diverse backgrounds and experiences. As educators, we should provide historical context and promote critical thinking to help students understand the complexities of these issues. For practical guidance, refer to Teaching in a Time of Conflict from the University of Pittsburgh Center for Teaching and Learning and Issues to Consider Before Discussing Wars and Other International Conflicts from the University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning and Teaching.
Addressing identity in the classroom is essential for fostering an inclusive environment. Educators should strive to understand the complexities of identity and how it impacts classroom dynamics. It is also important to create spaces for open dialogue related to identity. The TLTC has a digital, self-paced course on Identity, Power, and Privilege in the classroom that provides foundational knowledge to help you identify and discuss how identity, power, and privilege affect classroom experiences for instructors and students.
For a comprehensive guide on identity in the classroom, explore Navigating Social Identity in the Classroom from the Center for the Advancement of Teaching Excellence at the University of Illinois, Chicago.
“Teaching During Turbulent Times.” Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching Guide. Northwestern University. © 2023. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommerical-ShareAlike 4.0 International.
Campus Resources for Faculty and Students
Students struggling? Please refer (or even bring them) to the Counseling Center or the Health Center. Other resources that students can contact include the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Campus Chaplains, MICA, the LGBT Equity Center, and the Nyumburu Cultural Center.
Are you struggling? In addition to the Faculty Staff Assistance Program, you might seek guidance from the Counseling Center, the Health Center, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Campus Chaplains, the LGBT Equity Center, or the Nyumburu Cultural Center.
Want some more training? There are some great training modules for faculty and staff: https://www.counseling.umd.edu/cs/facultystaff/
Need support facilitating a hard conversation?
- The Office of Diversity & Inclusion offers consultations and has trained facilitators for difficult conversations; please email odi-edtrain@umd.edu or call 301-405-6810 to schedule.
- The Counseling Center in the Shoemaker Building is also available to departments at (301) 314-7651 or by completing the Outreach and Consultation Request.