Overview
Inclusive teaching refers to a variety of teaching approaches that strive to address the needs of all students. Inclusive teaching provides a learning experience that allows students from all backgrounds, learning styles and abilities to be successful. Inclusive teaching strategies contribute to an inclusive learning environment in which all students feel equally valued. Inclusivity in the classroom implies that the classroom environment is one in which all students feel that their contributions and perspectives are equally valued and respected (Cal Poly).
Strategies
Make it Personal
Provide opportunities for students to share their own experiences and perspectives. Students learn from each other and the various perspectives and existing knowledge their fellow students bring to the table. Activities such as a fishbowl activity or reverse circle discussion activity can encourage and direct these challenging conversations.
Include Various Perspectives
Provide a variety of perspectives on the topics you teach. For instance, literature that comes from only one perspective lacks depth. Varied perspectives might offer new ideas and unique views. One example would be to teach a World War II class from an American historian’s perspective only. The look into that historic moment will be rather narrow. Include literature from the experiences of other groups such as concentration camp survivors, German foot soldiers, French resistance workers, and Vichy government officials. As much as possible provide content from diverse perspectives or created by individuals from differing backgrounds.
Know Your Students
Get to know your students. Invest time to focus on getting to know your students. The impact may surprise you. The simple gesture of addressing a student by their name demonstrates care and concern. You can do this through classroom icebreakers (.pdf).
Respect Diverse People
Establish respect for the values of diverse peoples by using specific examples. Examples that demonstrate a respect and appreciation for diverse peoples and cultures. Use language that is gender neutral or takes into consideration the gender identity of students.
Respect Diverse Talents
Students not only come from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, race, and gender, but students also bring different talents and styles of learning. All students should have the opportunity to learn in a way that works for them and they should be able to showcase their talents.
References
- Teaching Beyond the Podium podcast (Center for Teaching Excellence, University of Florida): Culturally Responsive Teaching | Transcript (.pdf)
- Teaching Beyond the Podium podcast (Center for Teaching Excellence, University of Florida): Inclusivity in the Classroom | Transcript (.pdf)
- Teaching Beyond the Podium podcast (Center for Teaching Excellence, University of Florida): Rising Above Adversity | Transcript (.pdf)
- Teaching Beyond the Podium Podcast, Center for Teaching Excellence (University of Florida): Fostering Student Success | Transcript (.pdf)
- Center for Teaching (Vanderbilt University): Increasing Inclusivity in the Classroom
- Center For Teaching Innovation (Cornell University): Inclusive Teaching Strategies
- Center for Teaching and Learning (Columbia University): Guide for Inclusive Teaching at Columbia
- Andrew Hibel and Dr. Shari Saunders (HigherEd Jobs): Creating Respect in a Diverse Classroom
- Center for Arts in Medicine (University of Florida): From Colored to Black
- American Council on Education: Does Diversity Make a Difference? (.pdf)
- Enrica Hubbs & Michelle Hibl (2012): Inclusion, and Cultural Awareness for Classroom and Outreach Education (.pdf)
- Kevin Gannon (Grand View Univeristy, 2008): Seven Principles, Part Seven: Respecting Diverse Talents and Ways of Learning