Balancing Care for Students & Instructors

Care-based practices can benefit learner outcomes because they nurture learning environments where students feel safer, respected, valued, and a sense of belonging. However, a pedagogy of care also acknowledges how instructors might balance their own care. Strategies to help instructors exercise care in sustainable ways include:

• Start small, and value small wins.
• Focus on what you can do and expand slowly.
• Seek student feedback on what is working and what is needed.
• Remain cognizant of the current context.
• Consider your own capacity.
• Determine your own equity and care needs.
• Seek resources and support.
• Reflect and revise.