Many adult learners have had traumatic experiences that impact their ability to learn. Escaping a war-torn country, surviving abuse, living in poverty, and struggling through school are just some examples. This two-hour online workshop, hosted by the ELA and ESOL C&I PD Centers, focuses on the effects of trauma on the brain, the impact of trauma on learning, and why an understanding of trauma matters to adult educators.
Please note: This is an online course in Blackboard that cannot be accessed from the SABES website. You will receive a separate email from Joanne Harrington at Quinsigamond Community College with instructions on how to access the course.
- ABE and ESOL instructors who wish to create a more inclusive, accessible environment for their learners who have experienced trauma
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
What makes a person available, or unavailable, to learn? As educators, we spend hours planning lessons, scouring resources, assessing learners, and staying abreast of developments in our fields, all with the intention of providing our students with the tools they need to be successful. But what happens when students face mental health barriers that make them unavailable to learn?
This virtual training will address the impact of traumatic stress on an individual's ability to learn. We will define and describe the different types of traumatic experiences, offer alternative explanations for some of the most typical "problem student" behaviors, and offer some practical suggestions for considering when developing a more trauma-informed classroom.
- Define trauma and describe the typical symptoms individuals experience
- Explain how traumatic experiences influence and impact learning
- Identify tools and instructional supports to utilize in creating a positive and safe learning environment for students
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
Online (Blackboard)
United States
