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In any academic year, it gets busy at this time in the semester. And there are lots of reasons our students might be facing additional stress beyond their normal work and family obligations. They, or their family members, may be navigating the uncertainty of furloughs during the government shutdown. Students, and faculty, may be stressed due to ongoing violent crises impacting family members abroad. Additionally, faculty are managing their own pressures including uncertainty around federal funding and broader challenges to academic freedom. We all have limited attention at this time in the semester and there may be ways to lighten our loads without sacrificing learning. 

1. Switch to Complete/Incomplete for one or a few assignments
If an assignment’s goal is practice or engagement, try grading it simply as complete/incomplete instead of using scores. This reduces grading time and lowers student anxiety about perfection, helping students focus on learning rather than grades.
Ball State University's Teaching Innovation Blog: Reducing the Grading Workload for Low-stakes Assignments with the Set Default Grade Tool has a tech tip to speed the process.

2. Simplify
Look ahead: can you merge, shorten, or make one assignment optional? Focus on what best supports your core learning outcomes. Simplifying at stressful times in the semester preserves everyone’s energy and attention.
University of Michigan CRLT: Instructor Workload

3. Replace one task with a Reflection
If everyone’s stretched thin, substitute a short reflection for a heavier task. Prompts like “What’s helping you learn right now?” or “What’s one thing that would help you finish strong?” can spark insight and connection.

Georgetown University: Incorporating Low Stakes Writing

4. Create some “Catch-Up Time”
If your schedule allows and you can still meet your learning outcomes, pause new content for a few days so students can revise, catch up, or just breathe. If it's not possible this semester, take note of how busy you and your students are right now and incorporate a breather into next semester. 
The Chronicle's Teaching: How instructors create breathing room in their courses 

Small adjustments at this time in the semester can make a big difference. Lightening your workload isn’t lowering your standards, it’s sustaining your capacity to teach well.

Discover practical ways to use GenAI in teaching - no advance prep or ongoing commitment required! Each flexible, drop-in session features hands-on activities, discussion, and timely resources. 

Featuring Lance Eaton’s Prompt Library for Education. No matter your GenAI experience or teaching modality (in person, hybrid or online), you’ll find relevant resources and examples.

Whether you’re eager, cautious, or just curious, drop in to explore what GenAI can mean for your teaching - before, during, and after class.

Special Guest:
In our first session Oct 28, Lance Eaton, creator of the Prompt Library for Education, will join our discussion on using GenAI thoughtfully and effectively.

Schedule and Registration Links on the buttons below (all sessions via Zoom):

Our contact page includes multiple ways to reach out to us, including videoconferences, email consultations, and even a form to request support if you aren't sure who to work with.

Questions or comments? Contact Carla Vecchiola at cvecchio@umich.edu

Credits:
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