(Re)Connecting in the Classroom: Evan C Thompson Lecture on Excellence in Teaching

Lately there has been much talk in universities and the public about “the great disengagement.” As we emerge from the pandemic era, many students and instructors alike are experiencing a lack of energy and motivation, and we are seeking encounters in the classroom that are transformative, rather than simply transactional.

In this talk, Daeyeon Lee will reflect on his own evolution as a teacher, from his early focus on content delivery to his current practice of infusing classes with intrigue, storytelling and humor. Speaking from his own experiences, Lee will argue that creative exchanges with our students are just as important as content coverage in today’s classrooms. He will share some of his strategies for engaging students, practices that have enabled him to establish meaningful relationships with his students while also maintaining high academic standards. He shows us that taking time to connect with each other socially and emotionally is an essential part of revitalizing our intellectual culture and community.