College Professors Turning Chaos Into Collegial Collaboration

Abstract

This chapter discusses some challenges two faculty members faced after an abrupt shift to online learning during the pandemic of COVID-19. It also identifies opportunities that arose through their collegial collaboration to help students make a smooth transition to the remote learning setting. The two professors reflected on experiential strategies over varied topics including course design, student engagement and empowerment, and socioemotional support needed by both students and instructors in the process of collaboration and mutual mentoring. These discussions are documented over nine months in the form of conversations as the pandemic is stretching over two semesters. It illustrates the importance of collegial collaboration for promoting professional growth and personal wellbeing of both students and professors during times of crisis and chaos.