Our lab is growing! In our Three Questions series, we’re profiling each of our members and the amazing work they’re doing.

Today we’re highlighting Heather Woods, a part-time professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa, researcher and podcaster in Social Emotional Learning, and member of the ScholCommLab. In this post, she tells us about her work in the lab, learning through teaching, and offers one simple tip for embracing “learning opportunities” within and beyond academia.

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Q#1 What are you working on at the lab?

I am working with Dr. Stefanie Haustein on the Metric Literacies project. I am collaborating with the team to conduct a literature review on different modalities for online learning videos. This review will guide which three or four formats we use to create our educational videos on metric literacies. We will then integrate a technology integration learning framework, called the Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge Framework (TPACK), to enhance and optimize the video content and improve the viewer’s learning experience. We plan on using these videos to better understand and evaluate how individuals learn about metric literacies online.

Q#2 Tell us about a recent paper, presentation, or project you’re proud of.

I’ve recently had the opportunity to create and teach a graduate course on Social and Emotional Learning. It’s been a great opportunity to take my dissertation research and interests and explore it with groups of curious and thoughtful students and professionals. It enhanced my own learning about the topic, allowing me to explore how educators and professionals are able to make connections between research, policy, and practice within different settings.

Q#3 What’s the best (or worst) piece of advice you’ve ever received? 

I think the best advice I’ve received within teaching, that can be applied to life and academia, is to be vulnerable and remember that you and your students are human. This informs the grace I show students, peers, colleagues, and others but also myself. I approach teaching and work with open communication, flexibility, and understanding. It’s really allowed my students to excel but also gives me space to experiment, explore, and make mistakes (or, as I like to call them, learning opportunities).

Read more about Heather on her website, research page, or find her on Twitter at @SEL_in_Action.