Teaching for Neurodiversity
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Feature by: Mary Raschko, Associate Dean for Faculty Development
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Creating learning environments that anticipate and welcome neurodiversity is a central part of fostering inclusive excellence at Whitman. A recent Center for Teaching and Learning event on “Neurodiversity in the Classroom” highlighted teaching practices that are particularly effective for students with autism and sensory needs—and enhance learning for all students. Participating faculty and staff learned effective communication strategies, especially related to course expectations and structures, and how the classroom environment may affect students’ learning experience.
Recommended strategies include:
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- Teaching the organization of the class and class norms.
- Creating exams in a style consistent with how information is presented in class.
- Encouraging optional or modified physical engagement with peers or the classroom environment.
- Giving explicit structure to large- or small-group discussions.
- Using natural light and reducing background noise.
- Maintaining sufficient space between desks or chairs.
- Welcoming the use of personal mitigation through headphones, tinted glasses or comfort objects.
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Faculty Member Publishes Peer-Reviewed Essay
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“Mapping India” Faculty Salon #2 Tomorrow
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The second in a series of four interdisciplinary panels of Whitman faculty members responding to the current “Mapping India” exhibit will take place at Noon on Friday, April 7 in Maxey Museum. This week, guests will hear from Aaron Bobrow-Strain (Politics), Chetna Chopra (Rhetoric, Writing and Public Discourse), Lyman Persico (Geology/Environmental Studies) and Xiaobo Yuan (Anthropology/Religion).
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Latin American Art Song Concert Tomorrow
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This week’s Fridays@4:00 concert, titled “Serenata: A Recital in celebration of Latin American Art Song,” will feature Visiting Assistant Professors of Music Tom Hicks (piano) and Jessica Rosas Posada (soprano) at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 7 in Chism Recital Hall. The repertoire will include rarely performed classical music by some of Latin America’s greatest composers and vocal music in Spanish and Portuguese.
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David Nord Award Applications Due Tomorrow
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The annual David Nord Award is presented annually to support LGBTQIA+ focused projects by current Whitman students, faculty, staff and student/staff/faculty teams. Applications are due by the end of day Friday, April 7. Questions? Email lgbtqia@whitman.edu.
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ChatGPT Panel Discussion Saturday
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The rise in popularity in AI text/image generation tools has led to many questions about its use within academia. Associated Students of Whitman College (ASWC) will host a panel discussion titled “How to use ChatGPT (and get away with it)” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 7 in Cordiner Hall. Hear the perspectives of six faculty members and bring any questions you may have on the topic.
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Taste of Africa: Fun Fact #4
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The Hadandawa Dance from Eastern Sudan is a stunning display of artistry performed by the Beja tribe. The elegant dance, which evolved from sword-fighting, features intricate sword movements that highlight the tribe's mastery of the craft. Reminder: Taste of Africa is this Saturday, April 8 starting at 6 p.m.
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In accordance with Washington State Labor & Industries employer requirements, we are notifying the campus community that since yesterday, nobody with Whitman access was confirmed positive for COVID-19.
Please continue to follow all our campus COVID-19 protocols and if you have any symptoms that may be COVID-19 or know that you may have been exposed to coronavirus, please be tested.
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Taste of Africa Workshop: Project Citizen
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Asian Studies Interest House
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Quarterlife Movie Night: The Last Angel of History
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Strategic Planning Feedback Opportunity (Students)
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