Inclusive Classroom & Teaching Practices

At the College for Creative Studies, students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds and walks of life are welcomed. We value the rich diversity amongst our community members and work collectively to ensure an equitable and inclusive environment for all CCS community members to grow, thrive and learn. 

The pandemic reminded us of the power of community and highlighted technological challenges, access inequities, and allowed us to re-examine pedagogical approaches. It’s important to continue to work toward equitable access in higher education. This Resource Guide highlights inclusive teaching and classroom practices for the promotion of equitable access for all community members. 

CCS Resources

Introductions & Definitions

Source – Inclusive Teaching Strategies – Yale University

Inclusive teaching refers to pedagogy that strives to serve the needs of all students, regardless of background or identity, and support their engagement with subject material. Hearing diverse perspectives can enrich student learning by exposing everyone to stimulating discussion, expanding approaches to traditional and contemporary issues, and situating learning within students’ own contexts while exploring those contexts. Students are more motivated to take control of their learning in classroom climates that recognize them, draw relevant connections to their lives, and respond to their unique concerns (Ambrose et. al, 2010).

Inclusive teaching builds upon an instructor’s basic instinct to ensure all voices are heard and that all students have a chance to participate fully in the learning process, by digging a little deeper into why participation imbalances exist. To develop this complex climate, instructors must practice a mixture of intrapersonal and interpersonal awareness, regular curriculum review, and knowledge of inclusive practices (Salazar et. al, 2009). In particular, inclusive teaching begins by considering a variety of concerns: why do some types of students seem to participate more frequently and learn more easily than others? How might cultural assumptions influence interaction with students? How might student identities, ideologies, and backgrounds influence their level of engagement? Finally, how might course and teaching redesign encourage full participation and provide accessibility to all types of students? Instructors can consider a variety of examples and strategies for mastering inclusive teaching pedagogy.

At the College for Creative Studies students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds and walks of life are welcomed. We value the rich diversity amongst our community members and work collectively to ensure an equitable and inclusive environment for all CCS community members to grow, thrive and learn. 

Inclusive Classroom & Teaching Practices Resource Guide

The Inclusive Classroom & Teaching Practices Resource Guide offers various resources regarding Inclusive Classroom & Teaching practices. CCS celebrates our richly diverse community and believes that it is vitally important to educate oneself and continue to create tangible steps to support a safe and inclusive campus.

Note – Please be aware that this is not an exhaustive list and there may be other resources available.

Disclaimer – We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any organization, agency, or company listed (non-CCS  resources).

Contact Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

For any questions, comments or concerns, please contact us at diversity@collegeforcreativestudies.edu