Pre-Semester Practices: Relational
These practices focus on building relationships, encouraging student belonging, and inclusive communication while instructors are preparing for the semester.
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Click on the strategies to explore more resources and information about them.
Anticipate and prepare for potentially sensitive issues that may come up during discussions – Try to be versed in current events, especially those that could/would affect students (whether that is based on age or marginalized group). Devise personal strategies for managing yourself and the class to turn those potentially heated moments into powerful learning experiences.
Build your schedule to ensure your availability for your students both inside and outside the classroom – Preparing this before the semester intentionally can make a difference to both you and students during the semester.