Create an Inclusive Classroom

Academic Belonging

In general, classroom practices that help students feel that they are an integral part of the class, that their ideas matter, and that their perspectives are welcomed, create a sense of academic belonging.

Discussion Guidelines

Discussion guidelines set expectations for participant behavior during small group or whole-class interaction. They also ensure that the class environment is welcoming, inclusive, and respectful.

Implicit Bias

Our implicit biases are essentially bad habits that stem from cultural learnings—they are a byproduct of our socialization and not a moral failing. If we are not aware of our biases, those habits can become activated and applied by default even when they may be undesirable and counteract our intentions. 

Growth Mindset

Mindsets are the implicit theories that individuals hold about the malleability of human characteristics. Research indicates that students’ beliefs about the nature of intelligence and ability significantly shape their response to academic challenges

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Accessibility

Accessibility is the practice of creating digital content that all people can perceive, understand, interact with, and navigate.

Navigating Politics

Guidelines for discussing an election or current political landscape while recognizing the challenge of exposing your political opinions or excluding students with contrasting political leanings.

Break the Bias Habit (Atlas Learning Module)

Dr. Patricia Devine and Dr. William Cox, scientific leaders in the study of stereotyping and implicit biases, have put together and empirically tested this evidence-based training, which focuses on addressing intergroup disparities and what individuals can do to reduce implicit or unintentional biases.

Navigating Conflict & Bias in the Classroom

Despite your best efforts to reduce bias and create an equitable classroom environment where all students can learn, circumstances beyond your control can disrupt those efforts. The following resources provide guidance on how to manage conflict as it arises.

Identities & Positionality

One of the foundational practices for creating an inclusive and bias-reduced classroom is to reflect on your own multiple and intersecting identities that may be most significant in your classroom experiences as an instructor and your past educational experiences as a student.