Should We Be Discussing Coronavirus in the Classroom?

Here are some things to consider.

1. Secure your oxygen mask before helping others. The first thing to consider when questioning whether Coronavirus should be discussed in the classroom is how it may impact you as an instructor.

2. This is an historic moment. If you feel personally mentally prepared, it may be worth discussing. This is a defining moment in history. The Smithsonian’s Natural Museum of American History has called on Americans to record this moment via diary entries, social media posts, etc; your teaching is part of this moment too.

3. Engage in trama-informed pedagogy. As the reach of this virus continues to grow, the likelihood of having students directly impacted is increasing. This is important to keep in mind. In a recent editorial in AJPH, Nadia Abuelezam writes, “Trauma-informed pedagogy ensures that students feel emotionally and physically safe in our classrooms and reduces the risks of retraumatization.”

4. Consider the type of data you examine. In the early days of this pandemic, many were focusing on forecasting. This is a particularly difficult problem, even for experts! Consider addressing other questions in the classroom. For example, this year’s ASA DataFest was based on COVID-19 data, but recommended exploring the societal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic other than its direct health outcomes, for example the impact on pollution levels, transportation levels, or working from home.

5. Consider including students in the decision. Several professors have been using polling to gauge student interest in these topics. You can consider letting students drive how much/little content related to this subject is included throughout the semester.

6. Consider checking in with students periodically. If you plan on discussing this, consider semi-frequent opportunities for students to provide feedback. It is possible that students polled at the beginning of the semester on whether they would like to discuss this topic may have a strong change of heart as the semester goes on.

7. Add a line to your syllabus. Consider adding a line to your syllabus to give students a heads up that this will be discussed.

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