Inclusive Pedagogy Workshops & Events

Teaching in Difficult Times

In this session, we will come together to share support and strategies for teaching in difficult times. First, we will take some time to consider ways to check in with our own needs and goals when facing difficult topics in class, and then move into ideas for supporting students in our classrooms, including ways to set up “community agreements” as a means of creating constructive, engaged dialogue. Lunch will be provided at the in-person workshop.

Gathering Formative Student Feedback

Gathering formative feedback from your students by the middle of the term can be a valuable tool in enabling you to make instructional adjustments mid-course (or for future iterations of your class). In this workshop, we will explore an array of different practical strategies you might use for gathering formative student feedback, including surveys and “learning wrappers,” with the goal of helping you reflect on your teaching as well as gain insight into your students’ approaches to learning. Lunch will be provided at the in-person workshop.

Practicing Intercultural Pedagogy

In this workshop, we will explore how to harness the power of a diverse classroom and deliberately shape our learning environment so that our various intercultural perspectives can complement and build on each other. Some relatively simple culturally inclusive teaching strategies can bridge the potential gap between how students have learned in the past and what they must do to succeed in your course now. Lunch will be provided at the in-person workshop.

Pedagogy Circles

Pedagogy Circles aim to support members of the Vassar community in exploring how we are acting on and working toward equity and inclusion within and beyond the classroom. These informal conversations about teaching and learning are co-facilitated by students and open to everyone at Vassar.

Pedagogy Circles are held once a month on Wednesdays (11:00am -12:00pm) in the LTRC (Thompson Library, room 122). Snacks and refreshments will be provided. No registration is required.

Dates & Topics

Creating Community in the Classroom
Wednesday, February 26 (11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

Encouraging Student Engagement
Wednesday, March 26 (11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

Wrapping up Class in Meaningful Ways
Wednesday, April 23 (11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

For any questions regarding these Inclusive Pedagogy Workshops and Events, please contact Alexia Ferracuti (aferracuti@vassar.edu).