Tonight, we watched the last session of the Elon Teaching and Learning Conference 2021. The session was “Building Community in the Class and Beyond: Strategies and Self-Reflection” presented by Jennifer Ibrahim, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Temple University College of Public Health with contributing authors: Anne Frankel, PhD, Associate Professor, College of Public Health, Temple University; and Jamie Mansell, PhD, LATC, AT, Associate Professor, College of Public Health, Temple University. The topic aligns with the Quality Matters course I started today focused on creating online presence. Frankel polled the audience to think about how it feels to return to in-person teaching. Several mentioned being excited and feeling better prepared. Frankel talked about the need for community for both students and instructors. They shared core concepts that they found in the literature to be important for learning communities: approachability, adaptability, and vulnerability. Frankel and colleagues propose this is a step-wise evolution. There is also the faculty and student personal context and social and environmental context. Mansell and Ibrahim modeled the first day of an online course… and the professor did not cultivate relationships. Going back to the core concepts, for approachability Frankel suggested creating a welcoming environment and setting an inclusive supportive tone. For adaptability, I like how they talked about picking up on non-verbal cues.This is challenging on Zoom with so many participants. For vulnerability, Frankel talked about instructor ego instead of sharing stories of “failing forward” or saying “I don’t know.” In a second first-day presentation, the instructor slows down, is enthusiastic, and answers student questions. The instructor acknowledges the value of questions and affirms that this is a learning community and they are enthusiastic to be part of it. Next, they shared a Qualtrics Self-assessment form for participants to reflect about their approaches. I love how Mansell provided clear instructions on the screen as well as the purpose of the breakout rooms before sending people to them. I often forget that! Participants spent about fifteen minutes discussing in breakout rooms with peers areas for growth and practices that they are willing to try. Several participants spoke about vulnerability being a good thing and no longer being afraid of it. During the wrap up discussion, the presenters talked about the importance of willing to try new things and grow with feedback. Often the first time you try something can be disappointing. I noticed now that I use less “activities and prompts” and are more adaptable with the sequence of events during a synchronous session.
