{"id":617,"date":"2024-01-30T19:30:11","date_gmt":"2024-01-30T19:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/ltrc\/?page_id=617"},"modified":"2025-12-19T18:35:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T18:35:18","slug":"past-events","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/ltrc\/inclusive-pedagogy\/inclusive-pedagogy-workshops\/past-events\/","title":{"rendered":"Past Inclusive Pedagogy Events"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Inserted by Dropdownizer plugin. Forces video embeds contained in dropdowns to have a size --><style>.dropdownizer__dropdown iframe { width: 100% !important; height: 100% !important; }<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fall 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Writing an Equity-Minded Teaching Statement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Writing your teaching statement is an opportunity to articulate your most important goals and values as a teacher and describe how you enact these in the classroom. While a teaching statement can serve a variety of practical purposes, it is also a chance to help you reflect on what you hope to continue doing and what you may want to approach differently in the future, especially regarding your approaches to supporting an inclusive learning environment. In this session, participants will kick-start the writing process and come away with ideas for highlighting equity-minded teaching practices when drafting or revising their teaching statements. This workshop is especially designed for non-tenure-track faculty, though all faculty are welcome.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wednesday, Sept 17, 2025, 12:00\u20131:15 p.m. (in person, Library room 122)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Friday, Sept 19, 2025, 11:00 a.m.\u201312:00 p.m. (Zoom)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gathering Mid-Semester Student Feedback\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u201clearning wrappers,\u201d with the goal of helping you reflect on your teaching and gain insight into your students\u2019 approaches to learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wednesday, Oct 1, 2025, 12:00\u20131:15 p.m. (in person, Library room 122)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Friday, Oct 3, 2025, 11:00am-12:00pm (Zoom)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fostering an Inclusive Learning Environment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u2018stereotype threat\u2019 and related factors that can impact students\u2019 sense of belonging, and explore strategies for proactively fostering an inclusive environment for learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wednesday, Oct 29, 2025, 12:00\u20131:15 p.m. (in person, Library room 122)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Friday, Oct 31, 2025, 11:00am-12:00pm (Zoom)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For any questions regarding these Inclusive Pedagogy Workshops and Events, please contact Alexia Ferracuti (<a href=\"mailto:aferracuti@vassar.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">aferracuti@vassar.edu<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pedagogy-circles\">Pedagogy Circles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 are focused on particular&nbsp;questions we want to explore about teaching and learning. Pedagogy Circles&nbsp;are co-facilitated by students and open to everyone at Vassar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pedagogy Circles are held several times a semester on Wednesdays (12:00\u20131:00 p.m.)&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<strong>LTRC (Thompson Library, room 122)<\/strong>. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. No registration is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dates &amp; Topics<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How do we communicate expectations in&nbsp;the classroom?<\/strong><br>Wednesday, September 24 (12:00\u20131:00 p.m.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How do we define participation in the&nbsp;classroom?<\/strong><br>Wednesday, October 15 (12:00\u20131:00 p.m.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is the&nbsp;value of final projects and exams?<\/strong><br>Wednesday, December 3 (12:00\u20131:00 p.m.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spring 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Teaching in Difficult Times<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u201ccommunity agreements\u201d as a means of creating constructive, engaged dialogue. Lunch will be provided at the in-person workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tuesday, February 18, 12:00\u20131:15 p.m. (in person)<br>Thursday, February 20,&nbsp;11:00 a.m.\u201312:00 p.m.&nbsp;(Zoom)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Gathering Formative Student Feedback<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u201clearning wrappers,\u201d with the goal of helping you reflect on your teaching as well as gain insight into your students\u2019 approaches to learning. Lunch will be provided at the in-person workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tuesday, March 4, 12:00\u20131:15 p.m. (in person)<br>Thursday, March 6,&nbsp;11:00 a.m.\u201312:00 p.m.&nbsp;(Zoom)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Practicing Intercultural Pedagogy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tuesday, April 15, 12:00\u20131:15 p.m. (in person)<br>Thursday, April 17, 11:00 a.m.\u201312:00 p.m. (Zoom)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pedagogy-circles\">Pedagogy Circles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pedagogy Circles are held once a month on Wednesdays (11:00 a.m.\u201312:00 p.m.) in the LTRC (Thompson Library, room 122). Snacks and refreshments will be provided. No registration is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Dates &amp; Topics<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Creating Community in the Classroom<\/strong><br>Wednesday, February 26 (11:00 a.m.\u201312:00 p.m.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Encouraging Student Engagement<\/strong><br>Wednesday, March 26 (11:00 a.m.\u201312:00 p.m.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wrapping up Class in Meaningful Ways<\/strong><br>Wednesday, April 23 (11:00 a.m.\u201312:00 p.m.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fall 202<\/strong>4<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fostering an Inclusive Learning Environment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u2018stereotype threat\u2019 and related factors that can impact learners\u2019 sense of belonging, and explore strategies for proactively fostering an inclusive learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person: Tues, Sept 17, 12:00\u20131:15 p.m.<\/strong><br><strong>On Zoom: Thurs, Sept 19, 3:00\u20134:00 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Teaching Squares<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal of \u201cTeaching Squares\u201d 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 \u201csquare\u201d (or group of four) who share reflections and insights.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the kick-off meeting on Oct 2, you will have a chance to connect with your \u201csquare,\u201d learn about the process, and coordinate schedules with your partner. During the debrief and celebration on Dec 4, we will share what we\u2019ve learned and how this experience might impact your future teaching practices.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to attending both sessions, participants are expected to observe their partner\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wed, Oct 2, Teaching Squares Kick-off - 3:30\u20135:00 p.m<\/strong>.<br><strong>Wed, Dec 4, Teaching Squares Debrief &amp; Celebration - 3:30\u20135:00 p.m<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Skill Share with Engaged Pluralism: Building Community Through Communication<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Join&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vassar.edu\/engaged-pluralism\">Engaged Pluralism (EP)<\/a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tuesday, October 1, 12\u20131&nbsp;p.m.<\/strong><br><strong>Tuesday, November 5, 12\u20131&nbsp;p.m.<\/strong><br><strong>Tuesday, December 3, 12\u20131&nbsp;p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Gathering Mid-Semester Feedback on Your Teaching and Students\u2019 Learning&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u201clearning wrappers,\u201d with the goal of helping you reflect on your teaching as well as gain insight into your students\u2019 approaches to learning. Lunch will be provided at the in-person workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person: Tues, Oct 8, 12:00\u20131:15 p.m.<\/strong><br><strong>On Zoom: Thurs, Oct 10, 3:00\u20134:00 p.m.<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vassar.edu\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fall 2023<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Gathering Mid-term Feedback on Your Teaching and Students\u2019 Learning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person: Wednesday, October 4, 9:00\u201310:30 a.m. (LTRC, Room 122, Thompson Library)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>On Zoom: Friday, October 6, 11:00 a.m.\u201312:00 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019 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\u2019 approaches to learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fostering an Inclusive Learning Environment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person: Wednesday, November 1, 9:00\u201310:30 a.m. (LTRC, Room 122, Thompson Library)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>On Zoom: Friday, November 3, 11:00 a.m.\u201312:00 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u2018stereotype threat\u2019 and related factors that can impact learners\u2019 sense of belonging, and explore strategies for proactively fostering an inclusive learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Teaching in Difficult Times: Supporting Our Students and Ourselves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person: Thursday, December 7, 11:30 a.m.\u20131:00 p.m. (LTRC, Room 122, Thompson Library)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>On Zoom: Friday, December 8, 11:00 a.m.\u201312:00 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u201ccommunity agreements\u201d as a means of creating constructive, engaged dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Universal Design and How Does It Apply to My Teaching?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person: Tuesday, January 16, 11:00 a.m.\u20131:30 p.m. (LTRC, Room 122, Thompson Library)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019d like to improve in your teaching through the framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fall 2025 Writing an Equity-Minded Teaching Statement Writing your teaching statement is an opportunity to articulate your most important goals and values as a teacher and describe how you enact these in the classroom. While a teaching statement can serve a variety of practical purposes, it is also a chance to help you reflect on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":459,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-617","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/ltrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/617","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/ltrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/ltrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/ltrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/ltrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=617"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/ltrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/617\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1578,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/ltrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/617\/revisions\/1578"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/ltrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/459"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/ltrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=617"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}