Teaching with Heart: Innovative Practices for Empathetic and Engaging Learning

As a lecturer for senior courses at the Chemical Engineering Department, Dandan Xu found that senior students tend to get lost in learning due to course load, lowering engagement in the classroom. Inspired by the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of 'Shark Tank', Xu introduced her students to a 5-minute pitch talk competition for the senior design project.

In this new format, students participated in a single-elimination tournament, giving a brief 5-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. Other students engaged in live voting to decide which projects advance to the next round, using the easy-to-use and anonymous online tool Mentimeter. To aid students in their preparation, Xu provided them with a clear set of rules and a grading rubric.

The benefit of this approach can be seen in the learning outcomes. Students not only design solutions but also hone their ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Attendance has also improved, with more students actively participating.

To ensure academic rigor, Xu asked the students to submit a detailed report before and after the presentations. While the awards were given based on student votes, Xu did the grading.

The new approach has been a hit among students. The competitive yet fun atmosphere, complemented by peer learning, has been both "engaging" and "fun". By marrying the seriousness of engineering with the thrill of competition, Xu fostered an environment that's not just about equations but about passion, creativity, and real-world problem-solving.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced educators globally to innovate, adapt, and find new ways to interact with their students. During these trying times, Dr. Bjorn stumbled upon a tool for discussions and debates: Mentimeter. This easy-to-use tool proved invaluable in fostering student engagement, regardless of class size.

Dr. Bjorn used Mentimeter for various purposes, such as for taking attendance in large classes,  facilitating dynamic discussions with its word clouds feature, and delivering feedback using open-ended questions.

Mentimeter can also bring an element of fun and engagement. Activities like 'Truth or Lie' questions serve as light-hearted breaks from routine content. The live polling feature can spark debates that allow students to articulate their views and, in the process, understand diverse perspectives from their peers.

There are some considerations when incorporating Mentimeter into the classroom. To ensure that students do not get too attached to their devices, Dr. Bjorn recommended that we set clear expectations, offer periodic breaks and make some agreement at the beginning of the course about how and when to use the tool. It is also a good idea to use Mentimeter for engagement, not assessment, especially since the free version has its limitations. Also, pay attention to safety and anonymity. While Mentimeter offers anonymous interactions, educators must be vigilant. The anonymity can sometimes lead to the usage of harsh language.

Dr Bjorn received overwhelmingly positive responses from his students, which made him decide to continue using the tool even after the pandemic. Students found the tool not only engaging but also an innovative way to learn and share their thoughts.

In a digital age where screens dominate, the Human Library project offers an enriching experience that goes beyond the typical classroom. More than just a non-profit learning platform, it's an innovative educational approach where you don't check out printed books - you check out human ones. This is what prompted Lisa Lehmberg, a professor of Music Education, to bring music to life where her students learned about music education in other countries and intercultural communication.

The power of this platform lies in its ability to provide a safe place for dialogue. Such honest conversations often lead to profound insights, breaking stereotypes, and fostering understanding. In her course, Lisa utilized the human library for real-time and deep conversations about specific subjects. The activities were curated to produce a map showcasing the global landscape of music education. Each session typically spans about 30 minutes, ensuring depth without overwhelming anyone. What’s unique is that students can be both a reader and a book.

While this project greatly enhances student engagement and breaks down cultural barriers, it comes with its set of challenges. Identifying and inviting the right 'human books', grappling with time zone differences, and ensuring adequate funding are some hurdles to overcome.

All in all, the Human Library Project is not just about facts or figures but about understanding the human stories behind them, making learning a deeply personal and transformative journey.

The journey of education isn't just about filling minds with information but also about understanding the hearts and experiences of students. One significant realization has been the impact of trauma on a student's ability to learn and engage. Traumatic experiences can serve as barriers, making assignments challenging to tackle. With the trauma-informed approach to writing in first-year seminars, Allie Wolf is taking a step towards recognising and addressing this aspect in her course syllabus.

Allie emphasized the importance of safety to ensure students feel safe. Sometimes, it's about articulating the unspoken policies clearly, building trust by setting clear policies and Standard Operating Procedures, facilitating collaboration by engaging students in the process and giving choices by empowering students with options.

For educators keen on adopting this approach, start with one area. As you implement, collect feedback, and be prepared to make iterative changes based on student responses. Allie mentioned that the trauma-informed syllabus can be lengthy. Thus, it is essential to walk students through the syllabus, ensuring they grasp the intent and nuances behind each policy.

The initial reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Students have appreciated the understanding and adaptability of the new approach, making education more inclusive and empathetic.

It’s been a wonderful and meaningful meeting that provides us with a space to reflect on our current teaching practices. To learn more about the fellowship and current fellows, click Meet the 2023-2024 IIF fellows.