Reading your audience is something we teach in communication courses. As teachers, we are constantly scanning for understanding and confusion on faces or Zoom screens — gauging our audience. So when a more vocal student tells you that students are tired and you see an entire class or screen of nodding heads, you listen.
This happened in a recent graduate seminar. At about the 10-week mark, students were stressing beyond their normal stress. A student messaged me that they needed a break. So, during class I asked them how the semester was going and they said they were exhausted. I felt it, too. The ongoing pandemic and a drama-filled semester can do that.
I thought about just canceling a class meeting to give them time for self-care or whatever they most needed. Instead, I offered them brief one-on-one consultations over a two-week period. They could use that time to chat about their final project, vent, or just pick my brain. They selected their time to Zoom in on a Google Doc. They received individualized instruction and got some time back to handle however they most needed. It was wonderful to have focused time with each one of them and get a truer sense for what they needed related to our class, our program, and their career path.
Sometimes, we just need a switch-up, something different for a class. Maybe it's a break or maybe it's one of these ideas:
- One-on-one consultations--This works well for courses with a large project or with seniors or graduate students who may also be seeking career and program advice.
- Guest speakers--Sometimes, the constant that needs to change is us. A new voice, even if it's saying the same words we say, can resonate. Or have students step into the role of the professor. My daughter's kindergarten teacher used this tactic and it made my little feel so important.
- Change your modality/location--With so many schools set up for an easy pivot (you're tired of this word, I know), you could meet online for a class. Make a quick trip to the library for APA review. Or did you ever have a teacher who would take you outside? I loved that. I have designs on an evening sunset meeting at our Fort Worth campus where grad students bring lawn chairs and we have a "campfire" class. It's such a beautiful view on the prairie and lends itself to a philosophical chat about communication ethics.
- Change your format--Do you normally use a lecture method? Switch to a facilitator model or open discussion format. One evening I simply ditched my PowerPoint and started a discussion. Our grad students found the change of pace refreshing.
What do you do when you or your students just need a break?
<<Written in a past semester>>
