How do I bring emotion into the classroom? Why is it important?
When we talk about bringing emotion into the classroom, what we really mean is bringing your authentic self to your teaching. This may mean sharing stories, personal experiences, or experiences from your career, as well as inviting students to share aspects of their own lives. Being authentic and vulnerable in the classroom may help create a sense of openness which in turn may help students to feel more comfortable in the space.
Prioritize inclusion, relationality, creating a sense of belonging and community, and creating safe spaces that allow for respectful conversations. This is particularly important when such conversations might bring about discomfort in the classroom.
- This Acknowledging the Affect: Tending to the Emotional Side of the Classroom resource from the What I Learned in Class Today project provides an overview of why these subjects are emotional and how instructors can create safe and comfortable learning environments. It also includes resources and reflective questions for further learning.
- Refer to this Anti-Oppressive Learning Environments summary from the What I Learned in Class Today project to learn more about how to create trust and care within the classroom setting.
- Watch this short video by Dr. Pam Palmater on “Why Do Indigenous Topics Cause Such Emotional Discomfort?”
