Using Trauma Informed Approaches to Enhance Teaching and Learning

Research indicates exclusionary and discriminatory practices may cause trauma and re-trauma and have lasting effects on learning.

Students from diverse racial-ethnic groups or those who have encountered racism, discrimination, violence, or community unrest are more likely to experience trauma, which impacts their ability to learn.

Using a trauma informed (TI) approach provides a framework to center equity in nursing education. TI strategies were employed in several courses to address inequities and enhance the teaching and learning experience for students and faculty.

Moving toward TI practices increased student and faculty satisfaction, offered flexibility, and promoted connection and relationship building between students and educators.

Recommendations include making small incremental changes, embracing a growth mindset, and collaborating with students. Additional research is needed to examine the impact of TI practices in nursing education.