What we do today will change what happens tomorrow: learnings from university teaching during COVID-19 for post-pandemic times

Abstract

This chapter explores the rapid shift to emergency online teaching at a university due to COVID-19, reflecting on the profound impacts on educators's roles and pedagogical practices. Through a mixed-methods study including surveys and interviews, the authors investigated the challenges and learning outcomes of faculty as they navigated this transition. Key findings emphasize the necessity of flexibility in instructional design, increased awareness of student's needs, and a transformative shift in teaching approaches. The research highlights the importance of mental well-being for faculty, advocating for a trauma-informed, equity-centered approach in educational settings. Overall, the chapter calls for sustainable support systems and inclusive teaching practices that can adapt to future challenges, emphasizing the lasting impact of these changes on educational policies and practices