Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning

What happens when…navigating difficult moments in the classroom

What Happens when…

…a discussion in a classroom unfolds in an unexpected direction?
…you are not prepared to include and support perspectives brought by your students?
…you experienced interactions in your classroom and still aren’t quite sure what happened?
Last semester, CITL provided a program supporting faculty on how to design for and encourage constructive dialogue in the classroom. However, no matter how much planning we may put in place, things can take unexpected turns perhaps causing us to wonder, “What happened?”
In this discussion series, we will begin with a brief introduction to classroom de-escalation strategies, then invite faculty to bring their own case studies for discussion and reflection.
At each session 1-2 participants will share (anonymously if desired) a classroom situation in which they felt unsure about how to approach the issue or navigate what unfolded. Without judgement, participants use facilitation methods and structured inquiry to build understanding, practice perspective taking and troubleshoot together.
Participants may attend as their schedule allows, but we ask for a minimum of 3 sessions to allow for community building. Those who attend >4 will be eligible for a small stipend.

Six in-person meetings, held on alternate Tuesdays from 2:00-3:00pm, starting February 10th.