As I design my courses, as I teach, as I meet with students I need to constantly ask myself “what am I telling my students ? “ the spaces we create, the curriculum we design, the conversations we have, all tell our students story. What is this story? (1/5)

Grades are the most important thing? Then don’t be surprised when they ask if this is going to be on the test? (2/5)

Cheaters will be dealt with harshly and we are doing everything we have to catch you. Don’t be surprised if that becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. (3/5)

The only way you can pass this course is by doing countless hours of homework. Don’t be surprised if your students fall asleep in class because they’ve been up all night doing the busy work you gave them. (4/5)

What if the story or students heard was: we are here to support you on your journey. This is a safe place. It is ok to not know. It is ok to get those questions wrong, in fact let’s celebrate that! How different could the experience be? (5/5)