Many adult learners have had traumatic experiences that impact their ability to learn. Escaping a war-torn country, surviving abuse, being incarcerated, dealing with the daily circumstances of systemic racism, and living through this pandemic 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. We will be talking about both in-person and virtual trauma-informed practices, some that work for both, as well as special considerations for each.
- 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 online session will address the impact of traumatic stress on an individual's ability to learn. We will define and describe different types of traumatic experiences, offer alternative explanations for some of the most typical "problem student" behaviors, and offer some practical suggestions to consider when developing a more trauma-informed classroom.
Please note: This session cannot be accessed from the SABES website. You will receive a separate email from Joanne Harrington at Quinsigamond Community College, 1-2 days before the session, with instructions on how to access it.
- Define trauma and describe the typical symptoms that 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:
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