Inclusive Classrooms

Creating a sense of belonging for all students ties together many of the recommendations for equitable, inclusive teaching. Belonging is shaped by the content of a course (whose voices are included as authorities, for example) and by the course design (like clarity and transparency of expectations). However, the “climate” in the classroom is also central.  Do all students feel welcome, accepted, and like their ideas will be heard?  Do they all know what support is available to them and how to access it?  

Some of the approaches to fostering a sense of belonging include understanding how to work against stereotype threat, embracing students’ strengths and capabilities, and knowing how to address challenging classroom moments supportively.