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Teaching in Today's Political Moment

Posted on February 03, 2017 by Elli Goudzwaard

In light of November's presidential election and the shifting political climate of the United States and larger world, educators are turning to one another for insight on teaching in this particular moment. 

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    (Photo by Eli Burakian '00)

"What is your role and responsibility as educators in this current political moment? How can you wrestle with the life of the mind in these times, and maintain the best of the academy to create informed citizens?"

These were the questions posed by Rev. Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou to a collection of Dartmouth faculty gathered in DCAL for a recent conversation. The session, entitled "Teaching and Learning in The Current Political Moment," was designed to draw faculty together to address the teaching challenges, opportunities, and questions arising in the midst of a shifting political climate. Rev. Sekou facilitated the discussion as part of Dartmouth's Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. Through the conversation, Sekou advocated for faculty imbuing students with a sense of meaning and an appreciation for history.

Educators are engaging in conversations like these across the country as they consider how to best serve their students in these times, both in the classroom and beyond. The resources below reflect the variety of focus areas that are emerging as institutions and individuals engage with this question. DCAL will continue to share resources and opportunities like these as they emerge. Follow DCAL on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates!

 

Happening at Dartmouth 

From Dartmouth News: Faculty Invite Students to a 'Teach-In on Trump Nation'

From Dartmouth News: Hanlon, Other University Presidents Protest Executive Order

 

Resources from Our Peers

From the University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning & Teaching: Returning to the Classroom After the Election

From Portland State University's Office of Academic Innovation: Supporting Students Through Political Discussions

 

Events

Feb. 8 - From the Penn Center for the Study of Race & Equity in Education: National Teach-In on Presidential Executive Order Banning Immigrants

Feb. 15 - From the National Institute for Transformation & Equity: Advancing Justice in Politically Turbulent Times: A Panel of Higher Education Association Presidents