‘Difficult Moments’
Teaching in the context of hate speech
Aug. 21, 2018—By Joe Bandy, CFT Assistant Director Many institutions of higher education aspire to encourage the liberal arts ideals of free speech, critical thought, and diverse perspectives so as to empower students to lead meaningful and purposeful lives, and to engage in our society as responsible citizens. This – in addition to growing campus diversification, student...
Teaching after Charlottesville
Aug. 15, 2017—By Derek Bruff, CFT Director This weekend’s events in Charlottesville, Virginia, saw hateful and bigoted speech turn into deadly violence. As classes at Vanderbilt resume this month, these events will be on the minds of students and faculty returning to campus. They’re certainly on my mind. I think of my visit to the University of...
New Teaching Guide: Difficult Dialogues
Aug. 15, 2011—For most teachers, leading classroom discussion on difficult topics is a perennial challenge. Part of the challenge lies in the fact that we never fully know which issues will be “hot buttons” for our students. Conversations can become heated very quickly, and before long, it can feel like the class is careening out of control....
Leading Classroom Discussion on Difficult Topics
Apr. 11, 2011—CFT Graduate Teaching Fellow, Leanna Fuller, reflects on the recent Teaching Workshop: Difficult Dialogues in this follow-up post to that event. On March 23rd, 18 participants from 11 Vanderbilt departments gathered at the Center for Teaching to discuss the challenge of leading classroom discussions on difficult topics. We began by talking in small groups about...
CFT Co-sponsors International Lens Film Series Event
Sep. 29, 2010—Entre les Murs (The Class): Connection and Conflict in the Classroom (Part of Vanderbilt’s International Lens Film Series) Time & Date: 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 5 Location: Sarratt Cinema Facilitator: Derek Bruff, Assistant Director, CFT Audience: Faculty; Undergraduate, Graduate and Professional Students; Post-docs; and Staff The 2008 French film Entre les Murs (The Class) presents...
Teaching in Times of Crisis
Jun. 10, 2010—Originally written in 2001 by CFT staff Revised and updated in April 2013 by Nancy Chick, CFT Assistant Director Print Version Whether local, national, or international in scope, times of crisis can have a significant impact on the college classroom. The students need not be directly related or personally involved to experience anxiety or trauma....