[ad_1]
The start of the fall semester that may – masks aside – look like a traditional pre-pandemic return to campus, but there is one important change that will show no outward signs: the lasting effects of the trauma.
Students, faculty and staff continue to suffer not only the physical, mental and emotional fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, but also the ripple effects of social injustice and economic insecurity. Trauma is the emotional response to a disturbing event or series of events, according to the American Psychological Association.
“Our goal as educators is to help students learn and succeed in college, and trauma can hinder that goal,” said Kaitlin Clinnin, English professor who teaches trauma-informed pedagogy. “Trauma literally changes the way people think. ”
As a result, many members of the UNLV community need help regaining a new normal after returning to campus. Trauma impacts all aspects of an individual’s life, including health, relationships, and classroom performance.
“Students can have reduced attention spans and have difficulty remembering information,” Clinnin said. “Students may appear unprepared, disengaged or distracted in our lessons. They may miss classes, miss homework, or do a job below their normal performance.
Faculty and staff can use a trauma-informed educational approach to recognize the effects of trauma on students’ academic performance and to provide housing to promote the well-being and success of students.
“Trauma-informed pedagogy provides the essential understanding of trauma and its impacts on our physiology for teachers to first learn about the effects of trauma in their own lives, and then how it affects the students they will teach,” he said. said Anne Weisman, director of wellness. & integrative medicine at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. “We hope to create a safe and conducive space for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and growth.”
Trauma-informed education can begin with simple practices that all teachers and staff can incorporate into their work and life.
Take care
In an emergency, airline passengers should put on their own oxygen masks first before helping someone else, and the same goes for trauma-informed education. Prioritize your own self-care, which may include setting limits, practicing mindfulness, practicing a hobby, exercising, attending therapy, or other practices restorative. UNLV offers a number of resources for dealing with high stress and trauma such as Well-being of UNLV teachers and staff, the RebelReset program, UNLV Employee Assistance Program, and The Mind-Body Medicine Center.
Make personal connections with colleagues and students
After more than a year of video conferencing, many people need a more human connection. Communicate with colleagues and students with a simple “How are you?” Is one way to start building or re-establishing a relationship. Maintain the connection with periodic follow-ups, especially if you notice signs of trauma or distress.
Learn and recognize the signs of trauma in yourself and in others.
Trauma manifests itself in different ways; a seemingly distracted colleague or reluctant student may in fact be someone in need of support. Members of the UNLV community can use this list of common trauma symptoms of the Institute of Educational Sciences to identify those who could benefit from additional support.
Carlton Craig, Director of the School of Social Work, emphasizes the need for therapy and counseling in some cases
“It’s perfectly normal to experience a number of symptoms after exposure to trauma. However, if the symptoms have an impact on a person’s major functioning (difficulty working, attending classes, disrupting social relationships, having trouble taking care of themselves or feeling suicidal), they should then seek therapy or advice. If a person expresses suicidal intent, they should be immediately referred to university resources, especially if they detail a plan. This person should not be left alone and this constitutes a 911 emergency crisis if for some reason immediate help is not available. ”
CAPS UNLV provides services to students with urgent symptoms.
Access campus resources and refer others.
It is not your job to diagnose, treat, or fix a colleague’s or student’s problems. Instead, connect people to relevant campus resources such as counseling and psychology services, employee assistance program, Student leisure and wellness center, Treatment center for teachers and staff, the UNLV care center, or other campus wellness programs. The faculty can also direct the students concerned to the UNLV Support Team.
[ad_2]
Source link