AFRICAST 195: Shifting Frames

AFRICAST 195: Shifting Frames is known as “a novelty and necessity in the current campus and global climate,” to many undergraduate students. For this year’s spotlight, we spoke with Bethel Bayrau, HumBio c/o ’22, about what being an instructor was like in a virtual classroom.

(Bethel Bayrau)

“The inspiration behind this year's programming was CAS unwavering CAS connected. The teaching staff know Shifting Frames is more than an incubator for intellectual growth and conversations pertaining to the African continent; it is also a community where CAS community members come together to create an embracing space for community building as we share our opinions, experiences, perspectives and pose questions.

“One of the biggest ways my team and I adapted to the new virtual format is by doing something CAS does best: listening. We listened to students' concerns, ideas and interests and adjusted our formatting accordingly. We prioritized the needs of our students, as this is a discussion-based class taught by the students themselves. In the planning stages we were also very intentional about choosing the course time and date to be inclusive and accommodating to every single person. In translating shifting frames to the virtual format, we also tried our best to conserve as much of what makes shifting frames such as student led discussions every week and a space for discussions after classes are over."

What challenged you most about facilitating a virtual class?

"The most challenging aspect of holding Shifting frames virtually was making sure every single individual was engaged in conversations and the class in general. Keeping up consistent engagement from students in terms of keeping videos on and having students speak up was the most challenging aspect. We addressed this by having the teaching staff be ice breakers and start conversations, supporting students that lead discussions to promote engagement (such as encouraging them to call on students) and reaching out to students individually to encourage active engagement."

Were there any memorable moments?

"There were MANY many memorable moments. Some that come to mind are a student in the end of class sharing how Shifting Frames has been not only intellectually engaging but a place they come to for community where they feel welcome for who they are:

  • a student that shared shifting frames is what they looked forward to every week
  • students coming up with brilliant phrases due to very engaged conversations in class such as "educational compass" coined by the lovely Roxane Somda
  • Frames after Frames where students have stayed on the zoom call for up to 2.5 hours to continue conversations
  • Senior frames, where seniors gave a toast to each other and it turned into a heart filling magical moment for the entire class

I am most proud of how the teaching team has continued to be biggest fan/supporter of our CAS community. I'm proud that we continue to do everything within our power to do what is best for the everyone by listening to the pulse of the community. I'm proud of how our work is driven by passion, love for community and intentional inclusivity. I'm proud of how we have been growing with and adjusting to our very own evolving CAS.

The biggest lesson I will take for planning a series in the future is intentionality and inclusivity of everyone involved. We were successful not only because we had the community's best interest but because we gave student presenters the autonomy to craft their own art. Lastly, another big lesson I will take is making sure to set up a safe environment that welcomes all opinions and everyone regardless of their identities or backgrounds."

 

Return to "A Virtual Year in Review"