The Inclusive Classroom
The inclusive classroom allows each student to feel safe and encouraged to express their thoughts without the concern of marginalization or discrimination. Instructors of an inclusive classroom:
- Set clear expectations of behavior and engagement early
- Know each student’s preferred name
- Recognize and challenge personal assumptions of a student’s abilities because of a real or perceived identity
- Include multiple and varied perspectives to present course content
- Respond to students’ need for accommodation because of a disability
- Encourage dialogue between students
- Respond immediately to bias related language or actions
- Avoid asking students to speak on behalf of an identity group based upon a real or perceived identity
- Pay attention to when cultural norms, beliefs, or habits may be influencing interpersonal communication between students and/or between student(s) and instructors
- Utilize a variety of pedagogy to respect a diversity of learning styles
- Examine privilege and its effect on the classroom environment
- Seek support of others to maximize student engagement and learning
Resource and for further reading:
Saunders, S. and Kardia, D. Creating Inclusive College Classroom
