Setting up an Inclusive Classroom: A Guide Created by Students for Faculty

By Ayat Husseini ‘20 and Anna DeVault ‘21

This guide was created by CITLS student fellows to support the pedagogical efforts of Lafayette faculty. The work on this project was funded by a Pennsylvania Consortium for the Liberal Arts Arthur Vining Davis Foundations Teaching and Learning Award.

Sections

Syllabus Design

On creating an inclusive syllabus: Diversity statements, financial accessibility, contextualizing important issues, and representation.

Classroom Environment

Creating an environment that empowers students to speak up and participate.

Varying Backgrounds and Academic Support

Considering the entry level point of the course material and meeting students where they are.

Inclusive STEM

On the toxicity of courses when they are perceived by students to be “weed-out” classes, and the necessity of compassion. The need for more Science and Technology in a Social Context (STSC) courses and contextualization of social aspects in STEM.

Recommended Practices

Tips on making the classroom more inclusive for learners.