Inclusive Pedagogy
An inclusive classroom is one where ALL students feel welcome, safe to participate, and supported in their learning. Creating such an environment often requires intentional effort and reflection on the part of the instructor as inclusive educators should:
- reflect on their own beliefs and biases in order to increase their self-awareness;
- ensure that their curriculum and course materials reflect the diversity of their students
- use a variety of pedagogical approaches to engage and support learning for all students, acknowledging that students may have different learning needs; and
- be aware of classroom dynamics and pay close attention to the learning experiences of students from diverse communities, backgrounds and identities.
The following resources can help instructors develop their skills in each area:
- Take an implicit assocation test with Harvard’s Project Implicit to help uncover biases.
- Many disciplinary associations have groups that focus on diversity. Check with your discipline’s association for information on addressing and supporting diversity in your field.
- Set the stage for the semester by creating a learner-centered syllabus and using the first day of class to establish ground rules.
- Engage students in active learning, particularly having students work in groups (just make sure groups are clear on the ground rules).
- Understand what microaggressions are and how to handle them. Sometimes this will mean navigating difficult conversations with students.
- Additional resources:
- Helping Faculty Teach Diverse Students and Topics Effectively: Principles and Guidelines, Report from the SDSU Committee on Diversity, Equity and Outreach
- Inclusive Teaching Resources and Strategies, University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning and Teaching
- Increasing inclusivity in the classroom, Vanderbilt Center for Teaching