Use appropriate teaching strategies to build and foster an inclusive learning climate that allows for transformative learning for each student. Such a climate is the result of a collaborative effort between instructor and student.
The learning environment is essential to creating an inclusive course that values the individuality of each student and allows for transformative learning; it is the “intellectual, social, emotional, and physical environments in which our students learn” (Ambrose). Student participation strongly depends on feeling included and respected and understood as having varied lived experiences. When instructors are aware of the linkages connecting identities of students in the course – or in a research lab or other learning environment– they are better able to engage all students. Inversely, negative practices, often unconsciously engaged in such as exclusion, stereotyping, and micro exclusions can prevent students from engaging in the course.
Notably, learning environments are not only in courses, but also environments such as field- work, studio practice, research labs, and instructor-advisee relationships. In these sites, the opportunities for inclusivity may be less obvious but no less important: encouraging and engaging all students to participate and take advantage and succeed in these out-of-course experiences requires attention to individual students’ circumstances and learning styles. One special teaching environment of note is the participation of students in research activities as part of the research program of a faculty member. Such activities provide unique opportunities for mentoring and teaching, not only with regard to the specific field of study and its techniques, but also related to career counseling and professional development. It is critical that these learning environments are intentionally inclusive and value the contributions of each student including their intersectional identities.
Strong Student Campaign
All Red Hawks can be strong students. Academic Affairs, Student Development, and Campus Life have developed a campaign that makes explicit what it takes to become strong – it’s small, simple acts that, in total, lead to success.
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Students learn best when they see themselves as connected to their instructors, something which is possible in both small and large classes, and in any discipline.
Bringing students to the limits of their knowledge and capacity deepens learning– rehearsing, applying, transferring, and creating activities bring students to those limits and beyond.
If students feel comfortable and “at home” in your class, they take risks, enjoy learning, and are able to reach out when they are in need.
Collaborative learning advances learning and essential skills of communication and task management, vital skills for an educated person.
Training students to think rigorously, systematically, and with strategies that enable new ideas and connections is at the heart of the university experience.
Active, engaged learning during a lecture is essential, and good lecturers master strategies to ensure all students are not just listening, but learning.
Trauma-Informed Pedagogy seeks to understand and acknowledge students’ experiences and to create an environment in which they feel welcomed and supported.
Contemplative pedagogy involves teaching methods designed to deepen awareness, concentration and insight.
Adapted from a talk by Prof. Milton Fuentes, these strategies will help you discuss equity, inclusion, and diversity (EDI) in the classroom, and apply an EDI-centered approach to course development.
Students who become familiar with inclusive teaching become more open-minded and empathetic, more knowledgeable about other points of view, better prepared for a diverse workplace environment.
Design and deliver all course elements for maximum accessibility to give every student equitable opportunities for success.
Options and considerations as you develop your attendance policy and respond to special situations.
Strategies for identifying and addressing emotional distress in the classroom.
Use campus resources to connect students with academic and other support offered by campus partners.
Last Modified: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 4:46 pm
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