Pedagogical Strategies that Support Learning

Create a class and research environment that builds community, fosters belonging, and promotes mentoring.

Successful class learning happens when instructors foster a supportive learning climate where the individuality of each student is valued, allowing for transformative learning for each student. Such a climate is the result of a collaborative effort between and among instructors and students. Student participation strongly depends on feeling included, respected, and understood as having varied lived experiences. When instructors are aware of the links connecting identities of students in the course – or in a research lab or other learning environment– they are better able to engage all students. Inversely, negative practices, often unconsciously engaged in such as exclusion, stereotyping, and microexclusions, can prevent students from engaging in the course. In our work and our working relationships, instructors in every academic area should strive to exemplify dignity, groundedness, compassion, and mindfulness.

Learning happens when minds are buzzing, pushing the limits of existing knowledge and capacity. The pedagogical practices suggested in these pages, organized by broad topic, help instructors to shift from focusing attention on course topic and material to focusing attention on student learning.

 

 

For more information or help, please email the Office for Faculty Excellence or make an appointment with a consultant.

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