Strategies for Inclusive Teaching

Corresponding to those things that communicate to students, "you don't belong here", this page links you to a set of strategies for inclusive teaching.

Though many factors play a role in inclusive teaching, it is the instructor who is in the position to make decisions about course content, align the course with larger departmental or disciplinary contexts, and address students' perceptions that help shape their learning. And most certainly, it is the instructor who has the greatest control over challenging the assumptions on which his or her decisions about teaching are based.

Thus, these pages provide strategies to help instructors take proactive measures to communicate to students that they are welcome in the course and seen as capable, potentially successful learners.

Communicate Respect, Fairness, and High Expectations

• Communicate Expectations for Success
• Consider Students' Prior Knowledge
• Orient Students to Ways of Teaching in the Course
• Communicate How Diversity Will Be Valued in the Course
• Use Inclusive Language

Support Student Success

• Help students learn strategies for successful studying in the discipline
• Let students know what you have done to become a successful learner in the discipline
• Make sure assignment guidelines and grading criteria are clearly communicated
• Take steps to establish good working relationships in class
• Remind students of resources available for help

Foster Equitable Class Participation

• Plan Ahead
• Use the First Day of Class to Set Expectations
• Look for Opportunities to Invite Participation
• Provide Feedback
• Seek Feedback
• Honor Student Diversity

• Develop a Broad Repertoire of Cases and Examples
• Set the Stage for Potentially Sensitive Material
• Respond Promptly to Discriminatory Remarks
• Do Not Diminish Students' Strong Reactions to Negative Comments
• Do Not Ask a Student to Represent an Entire Category of People

Plan for Diversity in Teaching

• Consider How You Teach
• Consider What You Teach

These stategy guides are a work in progress. If you have additional suggestions, feedback, or examples to recommend, please contact us.