Cultivating an Inclusive Classroom Climate
Fostering a sense of belonging and embracing diverse experiences and perspectives enriches
our campus culture and prepares our students to navigate and shape our complex,
interconnected world. As an institution that thrives on innovation, fostering unique viewpoints
and celebrating differences is key to our growth and success. Our institution’s commitment to
supporting all our students, regardless of their background and ability, paves the way for us to
meet future demands with empathy, creativity, and resilience.
Creating an Engaging Classroom Experience
An engaging classroom fosters a positive learning environment where students feel motivated
and excited to learn. It encourages active participation, critical thinking, and collaboration
among students and helps build their confidence and social skills, making them more
comfortable expressing their ideas and asking questions.
Trust
To build trust, start by sharing your professional journey. Often, students struggle to connect
due to feelings associated with imposter syndrome. Sharing your struggles through your
education and professional journey can allow students, especially those with unique
experiences, to see a path for themselves on our campus. Similarly, showing empathy and
acknowledging the challenges students may face many of our students face and offering
support is a good way to build trust with your students. Being approachable and understanding can make a big difference.
Community
Building a connection with each student can feel out of reach for many courses, especially large enrollment courses. Helping students build connections with their peers is a good way to build the students’ social capital. When possible, think of ways students can collaborate on assignments. Promoting group work and peer-to-peer learning will increase students' sense of community in your course. Similarly, make yourself available for questions and support outside of class hours. Inviting students to attend office hours or communicate via email and other communication channels can build a personal connection and strengthen trust.