The Institute for Excellence in Teaching & Learning provides resources for faculty and academics who are committed to inclusive teaching. Inclusive pedagogy describes educational approaches that engage students in meaningful experiences and in recognition of their diverse backgrounds, abilities and perspectives.

 

Principles of Inclusion

Inclusive pedagogy is relevant to all disciplines, fields of study and course modalities. While there are various practices related to inclusive pedagogy, there are several principles that foster inclusive learning, including:

Some principles of inclusive pedagogy include transparency, equity, flexibility, and diversity.

Inclusive Pedagogy Symposium

 

Inclusive Pedagogy Symposium 2026: Belonging by Design - May 7

Join us on May 7, 2026, from 10 am – 1 pm in the Photonics Center Colloquium Room for this year’s Inclusive Pedagogy Symposium: Belonging by Design as we explore how we, as educators, can move beyond theory to practice, creating environments where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered.

 

When faculty and learners embrace inclusivity as an asset, we create inclusive environments that foster a deeper understanding of the ideas and skills at the heart of a course.

Considerations

How do I indicate that students belong in our learning space and within the discipline I am teaching?

Am I transparent about what I want students to learn and how they can succeed?

Am I assessing students equitably and in ways that allow them to demonstrate what they know and what they still need to understand?

Have I given adequate thought to my own personal and disciplinary biases?

Group of teenagers and male teacher at classroom talking and discussing together

Effective Practices

Make learning materials accessible to all students

Cultivate an inclusive climate

Communicate support

Are intentional about language

Build rapport

Examine instructor implicit biases

Foster a growth mindset ​

Create a curriculum that is intentional

Faculty Q&A

A Classroom for Everyone

Megan Sullivan discusses the Inclusive Pedagogy Initiative in this faculty interview with the College of General Studies alumni magazine Collegian.

Learn More
A lecture hall filled with people sitting in chairs, engaged in a presentation by a speaker at the front.

Inclusive Pedagogy Examples

Syllabi

Creating syllabi that welcome students and are transparent about curricula, due dates, expectations and resources

Blurred hands type on a laptop in a dimly lit room. A white paper with a graduation cap graphic is in focus on the table. The mood is calm and focused.

Class Activities

Designing class activities, assignments and assessments that are aligned with learning goals and are transparent and flexible

A group of university students collaborate around a laptop in a busy classroom. The atmosphere is focused and engaged, with papers and notebooks scattered on the table.

Pathways

Providing various opportunities and pathways for students to demonstrate what they know and what they still need to learn

Two people in a classroom smile while working on laptops, suggesting collaboration and engagement. A third person is focused on their laptop.