EDUC 5053 WI03 Trauma-Informed Pedagogy

Topics in Education: Trauma-Informed Pedagogy

Access: Elective for all students except counselling

This course is designed to allow students to engage individually in research or other projects that are of special interest to the student and acceptable to a supervising instructor. While course requirements may vary according to the project selected, the course normally requires that students demonstrate their understanding of the field through a written report and a written or oral examination. If using the course to meet concentration requirements, the focus of the study must be in the concentration area.

In this course, students will gain an understanding of trauma in its contemporary sense (through a lens of social justice and equity), and how trauma-informed practice is implemented in inclusive school settings. This will include exploration into childhood adversity, acute and chronic trauma, historical and intergenerational trauma, and re-traumatization. Various aspects of trauma-informed practice will be addressed such as the impact of trauma on the brain and learning, prevalence, role clarity for educators, behaviour through a trauma lens, strengths-based practice, teaching strategies, vicarious trauma, and advocacy. Students will also develop an understanding of how trauma-informed pedagogy connects and relates to other philosophies and practices such as culturally responsive pedagogy, anti-racism, restorative practice, and social-emotional learning. This course will provide a foundation for understanding the importance of a trauma-informed lens and its practical application in an equitable and inclusive classroom.

Instructor: TBA

Location: Acadia - SEM 229

Dates: Friday evenings and Saturdays January 26 - March 23, 2024

Schedule: Fridays 5:00 - 8:00pm and Saturdays 9:00am - 4:00pm