The HCSPiP Presents, a Keynote Talk at the Conference in Pedagogical Innovation by

Kimberly Van Orman

Instructional Consultant, Institute for Teaching, Learning and Academic Leadership at the University at Albany

Working with Diverse Student Perspectives: When Discussions Get Difficult

Monday, July 8, 2019, 4pm

The Red Pit, Kirner-Johnson Building

Thoughtful intellectual discussions are at the heart of learning in higher education, but in the current political and social moment many students struggle to manage their own and others' reactions when topics like immigration, trans rights, or gun policy become part of the discussion. Even when controversy is a planned part of the course, faculty may let discussion run away from them rather than lead the discussion productively. This session provides a framework for honoring students' emotional responses and five strategies for managing difficult discussions, so that faculty can teach students how to slow down and learn from controversy.

Kimberly Van Orman in an instructional consultant with the Institute for Teaching, Learning and Academic Leadership at the University at Albany. Her teaching development work focuses on effective course design, critical thinking, fostering student engagement and helping students with deep learning practices, including Team-Based Learning (TBL). She also works with both faculty and graduate students on issues of career development, including the development of the Future Faculty and Teaching Development Program for graduate students. Dr. Van Orman has a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University at Albany and has taught philosophy at institutions including the University at Albany, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institution, Siena College and Bennington College. She has worked in faculty and graduate student professional development for over ten years.