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MANAGING EMOTIONS IN THE COLLEGE CLASSROOM: THE CULTURAL DIVERSITY COURSE AS AN EXAMPLE*1
The classroom is a probable site for emotion management, especially when courses deal with topics that may be controversial or that evoke both students' and teachers' sensitivities. In this paper, we identify and present the cultural diversity course as an example of such a classroom and define emotion management, which we suggest is relevant to the classroom setting. We then apply the theoretical concept of emotion management to teaching methods, considering ways that teachers can structure the course to best manage and utilize emotions in the classroom. A collection of emotion management strategies and exercises, which can be employed selectively, is also included. We believe that by applying an understanding of how emotional responses are socially mediated, instructors can better facilitate class and maximize learning.
Editor's note: The reviewers were, in alphabetical order, Betsy Lucal, Frances V. Moulder, and Thomas Schmid.
IN EVERYDAY INTERACTION, individuals may experience a wide variety of emotional responses with family, friends, coworkers, and even complete strangers. Our society maintains an understanding of what emotional responses are expected and accepted in different situations; these expectations help define the emotional order of social life.2 It is common practice for individuals to manage their emotional responses according to the social context. The classroom is a site for emotion management, especially when the topics covered may expose the instructor's and students' sensitivities. By better understanding how emotional responses are socially mediated, instructors can manage the classroom and teaching more effectively.
This paper considers the role of emotions in the college classroom, using the undergraduate cultural diversity course as an example. First, we identify the case of the cultural diversity course and its emerging role in colleges and universities. Then we define emotion management and identify its relevance to the classroom setting. Applying the theoretical concept of emotion management to teaching methods, we consider how teachers can structure the course to best manage and utilize emotions in the classroom. Finally, we present concrete examples of emotion management strategies that can be employed selectively in the classroom.
THE CULTURAL DIVERSITY COURSE
Some schools have recognized the importance of cultural diversity courses by establishing the class as a requirement for graduation....