Resilient Teaching Through Times of Crisis and Change from Coursera

Resilient teaching is the ability to facilitate learning experiences that are designed to be adaptable to fluctuating conditions and disruptions. This teaching ability can be seen as an outcome of a design approach that attends to the relationship between learning goals and activities, and the environments they are situated in. Resilient teaching approaches take into account how a dynamic learning context may require new forms of interactions between teachers, students, content, and tools. Additionally, they necessitate the capacity to rethink the design of learning experiences based on a nuanced understanding of context.

The course is designed with higher education faculty, lecturers, and graduate student instructors in mind, but may also be applicable to educators in a wide variety of instructional environments. The course is aimed at participants who may be asked to rethink how they teach in the immediate or near future due to the ever-changing circumstances of the current COVID-19 pandemic. While the creation of this course is motivated by the current crisis, we expect it will remain relevant to instructors who are faced with disruptions and change to their teaching for any number of reasons and must quickly adapt their course designs.

To support learning and reflection, we are introducing a new journaling tool within the course that provides a place for participants to reflect on their own experiences. To support community growth, participants can choose to share their journal entries with the wider course community in an interactive gallery space.

What's inside

Syllabus

Towards a Resilient Pedagogy

We take a brief look in our “rearview mirror” and reflect on the challenges of the emergency remote teaching phase that was prompted by the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. We then look to “the horizon line” and make a case for why we need a resilient approach to course design now more than ever. We do this by examining characteristics of a wide range of potential instructional scenarios that will impact how students and faculty teach and learn. We then examine the construct of “resilience” and situate it within a range of disciplines in order to be able to articulate key characteristics of resilient design.

Principles of Resilient Design for Learning

We examine a systems design approach in order to be able to identify key components of a system. We then consider how system components relate to course design. Building on this, we use ideas from education, such as the interactions triangle and universal design for learning as we move towards articulating principles of resilient design for learning. We define and articulate three guiding principles for resilient design for learning: designing for extensibility, designing for flexibility, and designing for redundancy.

A Worked Example

We hear from Professor Chris Quintana who describes the characteristics, challenges, and context of a course he will be teaching next semester. We follow a worked example of how Professor Quintana is using the instructional triangle and the three guiding principles of resilient design for learning to inform course design decisions. Participants reflect on their own course design contexts and use these reflections as the basis of a peer-graded resilient teaching plan.

Case Studies of Resilient Teaching

We are introduced to a care-centered model of instruction as an alternative but complementary frame for considering how instructors can foreground learner-centered pedagogical approaches through times of crisis and change. We examine a range of brief case studies that highlight inspiring examples from instructors who reflect on their experiences during the remote teaching phase and consider how both care-centered approaches and principles of resilient design for learning are evidenced in these examples.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces a new framework for designing learning experiences that can withstand disruption and change

Focuses on practical application and skills development, making it relevant to educators in a variety of settings

Provides a platform for educators to share their experiences and learn from each other, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning community

Led by instructors with extensive experience in resilient teaching, providing valuable insights and best practices

May require educators to rethink their teaching approaches, which could be challenging for those who are more comfortable with traditional methods

The course is designed primarily for faculty and instructors in higher education, so it may not be as directly relevant to K-12 educators

Reviews summary

Well-received resilient teaching course

Learners say this well-received course offers a timely, relevant, and engaging overview of resilient teaching. The extensive use of case studies, interactive assignments, and journal writing to build a capstone assignment is highly lauded. Students appreciate how the course materials can be applied to both higher education and K-12 settings. However, some learners note the lack of instructor feedback as a drawback.

Timely and relevant topics.

"This course is wonderful because it came at a time of high uncertainty and change being experienced in higher education."

"The topic was very timely. Thank you for all the learnings!"

"I am a K-12 educator and I thought the material was really relevant in my setting as well."

Interesting and engaging assignments.

"This course was laid out in an interesting and engaging way that conveyed the necessary concepts clearly."

"I thought the assignments throughout the course leading to the large graded assignment at the end were really helpful!"

"Great course to help adapt with unpredictable time in education."

Instructor feedback is lacking.

"My major complaint is the lack of feedback."

"I don't feel like I received any feedback from the instructor on discussion postings, etc."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Resilient Teaching Through Times of Crisis and Change with these activities:

Read "Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning"

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This book provides research-based insights into how to improve your learning and retention skills, which can be applied to the concepts covered in this course.

View Make It Stick: The Science of Successful... on Amazon

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Read each chapter carefully and take notes on the key points.
Apply the techniques described in the book to your own learning process.
Discuss the book's concepts with classmates or colleagues.

Compile and Review Your Course Notes and Materials

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Regularly reviewing your notes and materials can help you retain information and identify areas where you need further clarification.

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Gather all of your notes, handouts, and other course materials.
Organize your materials into a logical structure.
Review your materials regularly, focusing on understanding the key concepts.
Identify any areas where you need further clarification or review.

Join a Study Group with Classmates

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Participating in a study group can provide you with opportunities to discuss course concepts, ask questions, and learn from your peers.

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Find a group of classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
Schedule regular meetings to discuss course material.
Take turns leading the discussions and presenting different perspectives.
Quiz each other and work through practice problems together.

Five other activities

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Solve 50 Practice Problems on Course Concepts

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Practicing a range of problems will help you solidify your understanding of the key concepts covered in this course.

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Identify the key concepts from each lecture or module.
Find practice problems that cover these concepts.
Solve the problems, taking your time to understand the steps and logic involved.
Review your solutions and identify any areas where you need further clarification.

Create a Concept Map of Course Material

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Creating a concept map will help you visualize the relationships between different concepts and ideas covered in the course.

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Review the course syllabus and identify the main concepts.
Start with a central concept and add branches for related concepts.
Use different colors or shapes to represent different categories of concepts.
Add arrows or lines to show the relationships between concepts.
Review and refine your concept map as you progress through the course.

Develop a Lesson Plan for a Course Concept

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Creating a lesson plan will help you deepen your understanding of a specific course concept and how to teach it effectively.

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Choose a concept from the course that you would like to teach.
Identify the learning objectives for the lesson.
Develop a sequence of activities and materials that will help students achieve the learning objectives.
Write a detailed lesson plan that includes the activities, materials, and assessment strategies.

Start a Personal Project Related to Course Material

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Working on a personal project will allow you to apply the concepts from the course to a real-world scenario and deepen your understanding.

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Identify a problem or challenge that you are interested in solving.
Research different approaches to solving the problem.
Develop a plan for your project, including the steps you will take and the resources you will need.
Start working on your project, breaking down the tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.
Document your progress and reflect on what you have learned along the way.

Attend a Workshop on a Course-Related Topic

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Attending a workshop can provide you with in-depth knowledge and practical skills on a specific topic related to the course.

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Research upcoming workshops on topics related to the course.
Identify workshops that are aligned with your learning goals.
Register for the workshop and attend all sessions.
Take notes and ask questions during the workshop.
Follow up with the workshop organizers or speakers if you have any additional questions.

Career center

Learners who complete Resilient Teaching Through Times of Crisis and Change will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Teacher

Teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects. They develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning. This course would be directly helpful to teachers of all grades and subject areas. The course is especially relevant for teachers who are seeking to improve their teaching methods and for those who are teaching in online or remote learning environments.

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Instructional Coach

Instructional Coaches work with teachers to improve their teaching methods and to help them implement new educational programs. They provide one-on-one coaching and support to teachers, and they also lead professional development workshops. This course may be helpful for Instructional Coaches. It can aid the building of a foundation in the principles of resilient design for learning and how to apply them in their work. The course will also help build a stronger foundation in online and remote learning.

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Teacher Trainer

Teacher Trainers provide professional development for teachers. They work with teachers to improve their teaching methods and to help them implement new educational programs. This course can help Teacher Trainers develop a deeper understanding of the principles of resilient design for learning and how to apply them in their work. The course will also help build a stronger foundation in online and remote learning.

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Learning Specialist

Learning Specialists help students with learning disabilities or other challenges succeed in school. They provide individualized instruction and support to students, and they work with teachers and parents to develop effective learning plans. This course can help Learning Specialists develop a deeper understanding of the principles of resilient design for learning and how to apply them in their work. The course will also provide a stronger foundation in online and remote learning.

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Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants advise schools, businesses, and other organizations on educational issues. They work with clients to develop and implement educational programs, and they provide professional development for teachers and other educational professionals. This course would be a valuable asset for those looking to enter the field of educational consulting. It would provide a strong foundation in the principles of resilient design for learning and how to apply them in a variety of settings.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers oversee the development and implementation of educational programs. They work with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to create and refine curricula. This course provides a strong foundation for those looking to enter the field of curriculum development. It can also help those already working as Curriculum Developers expand their skill set, especially in the area of online and remote learning.

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Content Developer

Content Developers create and develop educational materials, such as textbooks, online courses, and training programs. They work with subject matter experts to ensure that the content is accurate and engaging. This course can help Content Developers learn how to apply the principles of resilient design for learning to the development of educational materials. The course may be particularly helpful for those who are developing content for online or remote learning.

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Online Instructor

Online Instructors design and deliver online courses and programs. They work with students to create a positive learning environment and to help them succeed in their studies. This course would be beneficial for those looking to become Online Instructors. It can help build a foundation in the principles of resilient design for learning and how to apply them to online courses.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create and develop educational programs, materials, and resources. A background in teaching, such as this course provides, is highly valued in the field. This course can serve as a springboard into instructional design. The course may be especially helpful for those who seek to design educational materials for remote learning environments.

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Instructional Technology Specialist

Instructional Technology Specialists work with teachers and other educators to integrate technology into the classroom. They provide training and support on the use of educational technology, and they help to develop and implement technology-based learning programs. This course would be a valuable asset for those looking to become Instructional Technology Specialists by giving them a solid grounding in resilient design for learning and its applications in the classroom, especially in regards to educational technology.

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Learning and Development Manager

Learning and Development Managers oversee the development and implementation of training programs for employees. They work with other departments to identify training needs and to develop and deliver training programs that meet those needs. This course can help Learning and Development Managers develop a deeper understanding of the principles of resilient design for learning and how to apply them in the workplace. The course may be especially helpful for those who are developing training programs for online or remote learning.

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School Administrator

School Administrators oversee the daily operations of schools. They work with teachers, staff, and parents to create and implement policies and procedures, and they manage the financial and operational aspects of the school. This course may be helpful for those interested in pursuing a career in school administration. It can help build a foundation in the principles of resilient design for learning and how to apply them within a school setting.

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Higher Education Administrator

Higher Education Administrators oversee the administration of colleges and universities. They work with faculty, staff, and students to develop and implement policies and procedures, and they manage the financial and operational aspects of the institution. This course may be helpful for those interested in pursuing a career in higher education administration. It can help build a foundation in the principles of resilient design for learning and how to apply them within a higher education setting.

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Education Researcher

Education Researchers conduct research on educational issues, such as teaching methods, curriculum development, and student learning. They use their research findings to inform educational policy and practice. This course may be helpful for those interested in pursuing a career in education research. It can help build a foundation in the principles of resilient design for learning and how to apply them in research.

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Education Policy Analyst

Education Policy Analysts conduct research on educational issues and develop policy recommendations. They work with policymakers and other stakeholders to inform educational policy and practice. This course may provide helpful background for Education Policy Analysts who specialize in online or remote learning for the purpose of informing policy.

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