Past Inclusive Pedagogy Events

Fall 2024

Fostering an Inclusive Learning Environment

Creating an inclusive learning environment that encourages deep engagement involves cultivating a sense of belonging among learners, as well as supporting learners in the belief that they will not be judged by a negative stereotype. In this workshop, we will examine the risk of ‘stereotype threat’ and related factors that can impact learners’ sense of belonging, and explore strategies for proactively fostering an inclusive learning environment.

In-person: Tues, Sept 17, 12:00–1:15 p.m.
On Zoom: Thurs, Sept 19, 3:00–4:00 p.m.

Teaching Squares

The goal of “Teaching Squares” is to encourage a respectful and mutually supportive experience to reflect and connect on teaching in a formative and inspiring environment. In this program, you will be paired up with a faculty member from another department to gain new insight into your teaching through a non-evaluative process of reciprocal classroom observation and self-reflection. Each pair will be part of a “square” (or group of four) who share reflections and insights. 

At the kick-off meeting on Oct 2, you will have a chance to connect with your “square,” learn about the process, and coordinate schedules with your partner. During the debrief and celebration on Dec 4, we will share what we’ve learned and how this experience might impact your future teaching practices. 

In addition to attending both sessions, participants are expected to observe their partner’s classroom once, schedule a follow-up conversation, and write up a brief self-reflective summary about what you learned about your own teaching in the process of being observed.

Wed, Oct 2, Teaching Squares Kick-off - 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Wed, Dec 4, Teaching Squares Debrief & Celebration - 3:30–5:00 p.m.

Skill Share with Engaged Pluralism: Building Community Through Communication

Join Engaged Pluralism (EP) for this informal brown-bag lunchtime series dedicated to learning and sharing skills that enhance our ability to communicate and to come together in community, especially across differences. In each session, we will offer an overview of a particular community-building skill, practice using that skill, and debrief the process as a group. 

All members of the Vassar community are welcome. While registration is encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. Participants are invited to come to any or all of the sessions and to bring along lunch. These sessions will be facilitated by Amanda Munroe, Director of Restorative Practices, and Alexia Ferracuti, Director of Inclusive Pedagogy.

Tuesday, October 1, 12–1 p.m.
Tuesday, November 5, 12–1 p.m.
Tuesday, December 3, 12–1 p.m.

Gathering Mid-Semester Feedback on Your Teaching and Students’ Learning 

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.

In-person: Tues, Oct 8, 12:00–1:15 p.m.
On Zoom: Thurs, Oct 10, 3:00–4:00 p.m.

Fall 2023

Gathering Mid-term Feedback on Your Teaching and Students’ Learning

In-person: Wednesday, October 4, 9:00–10:30 a.m. (LTRC, Room 122, Thompson Library)

On Zoom: Friday, October 6, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

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 addition to offering insight into your pedagogical practices, soliciting student feedback potentially allows you to learn more about how students’ various approaches to preparing for your class are impacting the learning process. In this workshop, we will explore an array of different practical strategies you might use for gathering formative student feedback, with the goal of helping you reflect on your teaching as well as gain insight into your students’ approaches to learning.

Fostering an Inclusive Learning Environment

In-person: Wednesday, November 1, 9:00–10:30 a.m. (LTRC, Room 122, Thompson Library)

On Zoom: Friday, November 3, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Creating an inclusive learning environment that encourages deep engagement involves cultivating a sense of belonging among learners, as well as supporting learners in the belief that they will not be judged by a negative stereotype. In this workshop, we will examine the risk of ‘stereotype threat’ and related factors that can impact learners’ sense of belonging, and explore strategies for proactively fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Teaching in Difficult Times: Supporting Our Students and Ourselves

In-person: Thursday, December 7, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (LTRC, Room 122, Thompson Library)

On Zoom: Friday, December 8, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

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.

What is Universal Design and How Does It Apply to My Teaching?

In-person: Tuesday, January 16, 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (LTRC, Room 122, Thompson Library)

Have you ever wondered how to structure exams and assignments to break down barriers to learning and allow all students to succeed? Or wanted to know more about teaching strategies that support neurodivergent students? Or how student participation in your course contributes to inclusivity in your classroom? Join us to learn about how to (re)design an aspect you’d like to improve in your teaching through the framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). 

In the first part of the workshop, we will reflect on what UDL is and how it might be most meaningful to you as an educator; in the second part, you will develop and get feedback on what you would like to rethink or (re)design as part of your course through the lens of UDL. You will come away with a concrete plan for a new or revised assignment or teaching approach that you would like to focus on to make your learning environment more inclusive. Lunch will be provided. Participants will also receive a free book related to the topic of Universal Design for Learning.

This workshop will be facilitated by Alexia Ferracuti, Director of Inclusive Pedagogy, and Jodi Schwarz, Associate Professor of Biology and co-director of Grand Challenges at Vassar.