Coffee with Colleagues Series - Designing a Low-Stress Classroom: Strategies for Student Success

[MadelineHarrant]

Coffee with Colleagues is a casual, collaborative webinar series where instructors come together to share real-world teaching experiences, explore educational tools, and exchange practical strategies. Each session is designed to spark fresh ideas and foster community among educators—all over a virtual cup of coffee. We will provide you with the top tips and tricks that were taken away from each session. Read below for insight into designing a low-stress classroom for your students—our first event of the semester!

How can we design learning spaces that are both rigorous and relaxing? This session tackled that question head-on, with instructors swapping strategies for building community, using humor and music, and making assessments feel less intimidating. If you’re aiming to reduce anxiety and boost motivation in your classroom, this content is a must-read.

[rogerwarner219]

This session underscores the importance of designing assessments that go beyond grading—they should inspire growth, inclusion, and connection. Just like a FAB balance check provides individuals with real-time clarity on their financial status, inclusive assessment strategies offer educators real insight into each student’s progress and needs. When we equip ourselves with the right tools—whether in education or banking—we foster trust, responsiveness, and meaningful engagement.