310 When Learners Disrupt: Managing Uncivil Behavior in Virtual Classrooms
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday, April 12
Tracks: Virtual Classrooms
Facilitating virtual classrooms can be a challenge for trainers, particularly those more accustomed to face-to-face training. Engagement in virtual spaces is often top of mind; however, what happens when engagement is detrimental? Rudeness, microaggressions, and other disrespectful behaviors can derail learning and may cause psychological distress. Developing strategies for addressing detrimental behaviors will help to minimize disruption and get your classroom back on track.
In this session, you will walk through examples of uncivil behavior in virtual classrooms and the impact of the behavior if left unaddressed. Next, you’ll look at how to deploy strategies to minimize detrimental behaviors. You will begin with practical steps to prepare your virtual classroom and set expectations for learners. Next, you’ll explore strategies for responding to common disruptive scenarios such as polarizing dialogues and microaggressions. Lastly, you’ll discover ways to recover and restore your virtual classroom after disruption to foster psychological safety for your learners.
In this session you will learn:
- How to constructively address disruptive behavior in real time
- How to set up your virtual space and manage expectations for behavior in virtual classrooms
- Why uncivil behavior can adversely impact learning outcomes and future classroom experiences
- How to promote psychological safety in the virtual classroom
Technology discussed:
Virtual classrooms/meeting platforms, learner engagement tools, virtual polling tools
Lisa Mertes Sepahi
National Training Director
Corporation for Supportive Housing
Lisa Mertes Sepahi is the national director of the training center at the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), a national non-profit providing professional development and consultancy services. With over 20 years in both public and private sectors, Lisa has experience in learning design, curriculum development, and virtual learning. She loves learning tech and received a master’s in instructional technology and media at Columbia University. She blends her learning design experience with her years as a social worker and human services trainer.
Ariana Saunders
Associate Director
Corporation for Supportive Housing
Ariana Saunders is the associate director of the National Training Center at the Corporation for Supportive Housing. She has more than 15 years of experience in the field of program evaluation, quality improvement, and training in the nonprofit sector. Specifically, she has extensive experience in managing and evaluating child welfare, HIV/AIDS, developmental disability, behavioral health, supportive housing, and homeless services. She has experience in curriculum development and evaluation. Ariana received a master’s degree in applied social psychology from Claremont Graduate University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of California, Los Angeles.