The Brain Science Behind Humanized Online Teaching

Humanizing is a teaching approach that prioritizes instructor-student relationships and applies culturally responsive pedagogy to online courses. Humanizing has been a popular topic in recent years — but since the pandemic has brought about levels of isolation never before experienced, the subject has risen to the forefront.  While we learn the HOW of humanizing, it is also important to address the underlying question of WHY it works.  

I believe that understanding this WHY will help educators to make more informed choices about course design, content delivery, assessments, class activities, and much more.  This video explains the role of the limbic system in processing new information and experiences, as well as some steps educators can take to reduce fear and anxiety in their students in order to foster a welcoming, safe space for student learning and growth.