by Dr. Aradhana Kumari
In the Fall of 2020, I will be teaching two courses Statistics with Algebra( Math 150.5) and Statistics Introduction to Statistics( Math 150).
I will hold unofficial zoom sessions where students will talk and I will listen carefully, during these seasons student can ask a question related to the material covered, hint for homework problem or if they need any help with the course. I will let my students know that they can reach out to me anytime they want I will follow up with them quickly. I will ask questions either by announcement or on the discussion board that how are they doing with study material and if I need to make any changes. I will also ask my students to share their email or phone numbers whatever they are comfortable with their classmates so that they can feel more connected and they can work together. At the beginning of each week, I will carefully write what are they going to learn, and at the end of each week, I will ask them to summarize what did they learn. I will hold official zoom meetings where students can come and share if they are having any difficulty with the material or any other kind of difficulty. I will encourage my student to take some breaks or go for a walk and take good care of their health. I will relax with the due dates of the quizzes, homework, and Exams. Overall I will be more flexible with the due dates and caring.
Aradhana — Thanks for including the practices you plan to use this fall in your post! Your plans for the fall appear to focus on meeting the social-emotional needs of the students, which are key to trauma informed teaching. You mention building community in your classes; I wonder, how might you build community among students during your official or unofficial Zoom sessions?