Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education: Strategies for Teaching

The pandemic and furor over social justice are challenging how educators approach teaching. Safety protocols and debates over the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in higher education have left many educators feeling burned out. In such a state, it is helpful for educators to focus on small changes to their teaching that can yield big results for student success. In our book, we suggest that faculty need to start with the process of self-reflection to engage in inclusive teaching, create inclusive curricula, and implement inclusive pedagogy. We believe this step is essential to implementing the framework used in our book. In this interactive session, we will offer faculty the opportunity to reflect on what is needed to adopt pedagogies, curricula, and assessment processes to become a more inclusive practitioner. 

At the end of this session, participants will be able to 

• Examine the principles that guide their DEI work. 
• Consider a variety of inclusive pedagogies appropriate for their teaching contexts. 
• Review strategies for curating inclusive curriculum materials appropriate for their teaching contexts. 
• Identify potential inclusive assessments appropriate for their teaching contexts. 

Presenters

Rita Kumar, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of the Faculty Enrichment Center at the University of Cincinnati and former Professor of English.at University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash. Her research interests include problem-based learning, inclusive classroom practice, and faculty development. She serves on the Executive Board of the Women’s Network, American Council on Education Women’s Network-Ohio.  

Brenda Refaei, Ed.D., is Director of the Learning + Teaching Center and a Professor of English and Communication at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College where she teaches developmental, first- and intermediate English composition. Dr. Refaei is an Engaging in Excellence in Equity Fellow.

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