This site provides examples of instructional resources created in the Humanizing Online STEM Academy, a professional development program funded by the California Education Learning Lab and administered by the
Compton Community College District.
In the next 6-12 months, I envision myself continuing to refine my approach to online teaching, with a focus on integrating the principles of humanizing and equity into every aspect of my courses. I plan to implement warm, asynchronous communications to foster a sense of community among students. Additionally, I aim to improve cognition and metacognition through enhanced speaking and listening activities, fostering empathy and understanding among students. Ultimately, I aspire to create online learning environments where all students feel seen, heard, and valued.
Throughout the academy, several topics resonated deeply with me, including the importance of cultural responsiveness, the role of emotions in learning, and the power of storytelling to create connections. These insights have not only transformed my teaching philosophy but have also ignited a passion for continuous growth and improvement in my practice.
To leverage the Liquid Syllabus effectively as a means to establish trust and demonstrate care for my students' learning I will infuse it with elements that prioritize transparency, accessibility, and personal connection.
By incorporating interactive features such as embedded videos introducing myself, my teaching philosophy, and the course structure, I aim to humanize the learning experience from the outset. Additionally, I will provide multiple avenues for communication, including office hours, email, and discussion forums, emphasizing my accessibility and willingness to support students throughout their learning journey. Furthermore, I will integrate opportunities for student reflection and self-assessment within the syllabus, encouraging active engagement with the course material and fostering a sense of ownership over their learning. By utilizing the Liquid Syllabus as a tool to establish trust and demonstrate genuine care for my student's academic success, I aim to lay a solid foundation for a collaborative and supportive learning environment from day one.
The image of the card in the context of a biology course sends a warm, welcoming cue to students by invoking feelings of connection to nature, comfort, and exploration that students will undertake in their biology studies.
The combination of a plant next to the microscope and book, and then the DNA spinning up and away in the background all create a welcoming feeling about the topic. It's the young plant really that warms it all up.
The homepage is designed to serve as a kindness cue of social inclusion for students by fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Through thoughtful design elements and content curation, it is aimed to create an environment where every student feels valued and included. The language used throughout the homepage is inclusive and affirming, ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel recognized and respected. Important resources and support services are prominently featured on the homepage, making it easy for students to access the help they need and reinforcing the message that support is available to everyone. Overall, the homepage serves as a warm and inviting space where students are reminded of their value and encouraged to participate in a supportive community that embraces diversity and promotes kindness.
Getting to Know You Survey serves as a kindness cue of social inclusion for students by affirming their value and ensuring that their diverse voices are heard and respected. By inviting students to share their thoughts and experiences, we acknowledge the importance of their perspectives in shaping the educational environment. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging among students, regardless of their background or identity, as they recognize that their opinions matter and are integral to the community. Furthermore, by emphasizing confidentiality and creating a safe space for feedback, the survey promotes trust and openness, encouraging even the most marginalized students to participate without fear of judgment or exclusion. Ultimately, through this act of soliciting input and actively listening to student voices, we demonstrate our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.
Self Affirming ice breaker assignment is designed to foster a sense of belonging by connecting students through their real-world experiences. The assignment prompts students to share personal stories or anecdotes related to a specific theme, such as overcoming challenges, pursuing passions, or memorable travel experiences. By encouraging students to share aspects of their lives beyond the classroom, the assignment creates opportunities for meaningful connections based on shared experiences and mutual interests. As students listen to each other's stories, they gain insights into their peers' backgrounds, perspectives, and values, building empathy and understanding within the community. This sharing of personal narratives fosters a supportive atmosphere where students feel seen, heard, and appreciated for who they are, ultimately strengthening bonds and cultivating a sense of belonging among classmates. Through this ice breaker assignment, students not only engage with course material but also forge genuine connections that extend beyond the classroom walls, enriching their overall learning experience.
Incorporating the video of the Pomodoro technique into the course serves a multifaceted instructional purpose aimed at enhancing students' learning experience. The Pomodoro technique, a time management method that breaks work into intervals separated by short breaks, is a valuable tool for improving productivity and focus. By introducing this technique through a video format, students are provided with a clear and visual demonstration of how to implement it effectively. The video not only explains the mechanics of the technique but also illustrates its application in real-world scenarios, demonstrating its relevance and practicality in academic settings. By encouraging students to integrate the Pomodoro technique into their study routines, it is aimed to improve their time management skills, boost their concentration levels, and increase their overall productivity. Ultimately, by empowering students with this valuable self-regulation strategy, I expect the video to enhance their learning experience by helping them achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in their studies while reducing stress and burnout.
This micro-lecture on the process of photosynthesis is seamlessly integrated into our course curriculum, aligning closely with the overarching learning objective of understanding fundamental biological processes. As a core concept in biology, photosynthesis plays a pivotal role in the production of oxygen and organic compounds essential for life on Earth. By delivering a concise yet comprehensive overview of photosynthesis, this micro-lecture serves to elucidate the intricate biochemical mechanisms involved in converting light energy into chemical energy, elucidating the roles of chloroplasts, pigments, and key molecules such as ATP and NADPH. By providing students with a clear understanding of photosynthesis, it is aimed to deepen their appreciation for the interconnectedness of living organisms and their environments while equipping them with the foundational knowledge necessary for further exploration in biology. Through this micro-lecture, I expect to enhance students' learning experience by fostering a deeper understanding of biological concepts, promoting critical thinking skills, and facilitating connections between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications in fields such as agriculture, ecology, and biotechnology.
