Research on stereotype threat and learning environments indicates that student learning is impacted by visual and other cues that send implicit signals about who belongs and who can succeed. How can you create courses that represent and affirm all of your students?
Some ideas:
Represent individuals of varied race, gender, religion, ability, etc. in your course slides, course site, and other course materials.
Avoid using symbols or imagery that might trigger stereotypes or be perceived as exclusive (e.g., a national flag, women performing housework, people of color in service positions)
Include explicit statements in your syllabus, course site, and assignments acknowledging that the work is challenging and expressing your confidence that every student can succeed with consistent effort and the teaching team’s support.
Diversify your curriculum so that students can see themselves reflected in the scholars, practitioners, and other figures upheld in the discipline.
Design activities and assignments that elicit students’ backgrounds and experiences and promote learning through encounters with diverse perspectives.
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