Instructor “soft skills” reference the ability to shape conversations that happen at the speed and frequency of human communication. These skills shape the effective implementation of active learning methods in class. While conversations around these skills are common in K-12 teacher development, they take place more rarely in higher education.

Dr. Wiggins (UW Department of Biology) draws on findings from educational psychology to describe and demonstrate soft-skill teaching methods that create a supportive classroom environment and facilitate student engagement. Techniques such as active listening, honest signals, and reciprocal demonstrations of trust can be used across disciplines, in any size class, and are effective for students from diverse backgrounds.

This seminar is part of the Frontiers in Higher Education Research Seminar series.