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

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:

  • Transparency
  • Equity
  • Flexibility
  • Diversity

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?

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

Class Activities

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

Pathways

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