Teresa Thompson, a tenured accounting professor at West Valley College known for her innovative teaching, shares her unique approach to education. She emphasizes the power of intentional communication, like thoughtful welcome emails, to ease students' anxiety. Teresa creatively incorporates pop culture into her syllabi, with themes like Barbie and Pokémon, making learning relatable and fun. She also highlights the importance of empathy and connection in fostering a supportive classroom environment, ensuring students feel seen and engaged.
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Quick takeaways
Intentional practices like welcome emails significantly reduce student anxiety and foster a sense of belonging in the classroom.
Creative syllabus themes, such as pop culture references, engage students and demonstrate the instructor's commitment to an innovative learning environment.
Deep dives
The Power of Intentional Teaching
Intentional teaching practices are essential for creating meaningful connections with students. Simple gestures, like sending a welcome email before the semester starts, can significantly reduce student anxiety and foster a sense of belonging. By sharing personal details and class expectations in these communications, educators can show their enthusiasm and make students feel valued, which has proven effective in encouraging them to stay enrolled in their classes. This proactive engagement helps bridge the gap for students, particularly those who may feel isolated or uncertain in the college environment.
Innovative Syllabus Design
Crafting a syllabus with creativity and relevance can capture students' interest and transform their learning experience. The use of pop culture themes, such as Barbie or Pokémon, in syllabus design can make mundane course information more engaging and relatable. This approach not only excites students but also signals the instructor's commitment to delivering a dynamic learning environment. Students are more likely to stay motivated and participate actively when they see effort and innovation reflected in their course materials.
Building Community Through Connection
Creating an inclusive classroom environment can be achieved by fostering personal connections among students. Utilizing informal check-ins or partner interviews at the start of a term helps students find common ground and reduces anxiety in social interactions. These activities not only promote camaraderie but also encourage students to engage with the learning material on a deeper level. By recognizing and valuing individual experiences, instructors can cultivate a supportive community that enhances student participation and success.
Support Beyond the Classroom
Providing students with resources and guidance throughout the semester can significantly enhance their learning experience. After-class summaries that recap lessons and outline upcoming assignments are invaluable for students juggling multiple responsibilities. This practice not only aids comprehension but also ensures that students have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. Encouraging ongoing communication and inviting students to stay connected after they leave the classroom establishes a lasting support network, promoting their continued growth and success.
Teresa Thompson discusses joyful connections through intentional teaching practices on episode 539 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast.
Quotes from the episode
I’ve had students share with me in the past that they were considering dropping the class, and then they got that welcome email, and they thought, okay, this time, it’s going to be different.
-Teresa Thompson
My syllabus was all Barbie themed. In the semester before that, it was Pokemon themed. Semester before that was Stranger Things themed.
-Teresa Thompson
I don’t want their first impression of me to be me quickly cleaning the board or freaking out because I can’t find a whiteboard marker that works. I want them to see me calm and ready and happy to greet them as they walk in.
-Teresa Thompson
We have to recognize that our students have a lot going on. Sometimes, even despite their best intention, they may not be able to be a 100% attentive in our classroom.
-Teresa Thompson