Classroom Activities, Practical Strategies, Resources, Teaching Today's Students, Well-Being

Kindness at Thanksgiving

by Beth Petitjean, Ph.D., Digital Learning Specialist, Reinert Center Whew, a lot has been going on in the world and in SLU’s little corner of it this semester. It’s time for a breather and in a couple of days we’ll get one with the Thanksgiving holiday break. Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday as a… Continue reading Kindness at Thanksgiving

Culturally Responsive Teaching, Practical Strategies, Teaching and Justice, Teaching Today's Students, Tips on Teaching, Transformative Learning

Preparing for Election-Related Discussions in the Classroom

by Christopher Grabau, Program Director, Reinert Center Political and global affairs often enter our learning spaces.  While these discussions can be challenging to navigate, they offer a unique opportunity to engage with and develop critical reflection.  As we anticipate potentially challenging but crucial conversations in the classroom, it's essential to approach these moments with intentionality… Continue reading Preparing for Election-Related Discussions in the Classroom

Distance Teaching, Instructional Continuity, Practical Strategies, Resources, Upcoming Events

Fall Disruptions: Instructional Continuity amid Changing Circumstances

by Beth Petitjean, Ph.D., Digital Learning Specialist, Reinert Center We’re a few weeks into the Fall semester. That time when everyone is in a groove, when they’ve found their footing with the course work and the schedule, and the exhaustion that comes with all that hasn’t set in yet. The bloom of motivation is still… Continue reading Fall Disruptions: Instructional Continuity amid Changing Circumstances

Inclusive Teaching, Practical Strategies

Creating counter-narratives in STEM classrooms through scientist spotlights

by Nicole States, Instructional Developer, Reinert Center Back in February, in Bedelia Richards’ “Teaching RaceTalk as a Skill” workshop, we had a great discussion on creating counter narratives to stereotypes from our fields. This discussion led me to reflect on the persistent image I see of scientists as primarily white, cisgender men. So how can… Continue reading Creating counter-narratives in STEM classrooms through scientist spotlights

Classroom Activities, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Engagement, Practical Strategies

Something’s Brewing: Repurposing Content into Culturally Responsive Activities

By Beth Petitjean, Ph.D., Digital Learning Specialist, Reinert Center At the Winter Institute earlier this month, the morning workshop focused on creating culturally responsive introductory activities. The intent was to show participants how they could take content and repurpose it into an activity to promote engagement, to introduce ways of thinking within the course discipline,… Continue reading Something’s Brewing: Repurposing Content into Culturally Responsive Activities