Facilitated by Peter Gess (Hendrix), Michael Hughes (Trinity), Cathy Jellenik (Hendrix) and Katherine Troyer (Trinity).
In ordinary first-year seminars, communities often form organically. But these are not ordinary times. Current teaching models demand more intentionality in creating connections that foster the trust, support, and responsibility critical to students’ success in the first year and thereafter. In this workshop, we will explore team-building and learning strategies to help first-year students enjoy the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of their community, regardless of location. In small groups, participants will create and share a matrix of techniques for building community and a shared purpose in various modalities (remote, partially remote, asynchronous and synchronous, and socially distanced instruction).