Nurturing successful relationships

Students who nurture successful relationships describe who they are and can embrace diversity of interpersonal strengths and weaknesses to support positive outcomes with others. They are accountable for their actions, manage conflict, successfully prioritize, and negotiate for successful results.

Competency examples in the classroom include:

• reflective activities,
• group projects,
• role-playing exercises,
• case-studies and simulations,
• community partnerships, and
• portfolio development.

• Student Competency #2 - Nurturing Successful Relationships

Respectful dialogues are learning opportunities that can teach everyone involved. The rewards exceed the risks if we prepare for the safety of all involved, including the educator. Conversation is a personal act. In a professional context, this can be difficult and rewarding. The educator is personally invested in the experience of critical conversations - not necessarily on one side or the other of the topic. A fundamental component is to convey the benefits of these discussions. Learners need to be able to turn to educators for support. They are developing their abilities to explore different, sometimes opposing, opinions and beliefs. Lack of experience requires a safe and well-structured educational experience.

• Difficult dialogues in the classroom

Culturally responsive teaching supports everyone. It ensures that all learners feel empowered and valued in the learning environment while simultaneously setting them up for academic success. The frameworks and principles shared will illuminate how culturally responsive teaching is rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing and can positively impact all learners.

• Inclusive teaching for belonging and well-being

Cultivating equity and inclusion fosters student belonging, especially for historically excluded groups, and enhances their university experience. Acknowledging social injustices reduces stereotype threat, helps students to feel seen and heard, and promotes better academic focus and performance. Valuing diversity allows us as educators to adapt teaching methods and enhance the learning experience for all students. It is our responsibility to be educators and learners in the EDI conversation.

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion teaching strategy