August 20, 2014

How can I create an environment for welcoming all students?: Ideas for Embracing Diversity���Cheryl Richardson, PhD & Sophie leBlanc, Doctoral Candidate

Overview���

✤  My Identity

✤  Identity and Environment

✤  Case Studies

✤  Discussion

01

Identity Exercise���Write on each post-it note one aspect of your identity.

01

One person’s many intersecting ways to identify

LK Mae, 2012: http://www.leida-k.com/Qualitative/identity.html

Identity Matters���

✤  influences the way you see and interact

✤  influences the ways that students see and interact with you

Create a safe environment ���(General Strategies)���

✤  Become aware of own biases

✤  Foster respect:

✤  use correct terminology

✤  learn about groups other than your own

✤  convey same level of confidence in all students

✤  don’t try to ‘protect’ any group of students

✤  be even handed in acknowledging students’ accomplishmentsDavis, BG (2009) Tools for Teaching, 2nd Ed. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.

Promises of Diversity for Enhanced Learning���

✤  Engages all learners✤  Cognitive Complexity✤  Critical thinking

✤  Openness to new ideas and different points of view; being challenged

✤  Persistence & Educational Attainment✤  Creativity

(Gurin, 2002; Chang, et al. 2004)

Summary���

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”― Maya Angelou

Create an environment of respect for all learners

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