Innovative techniques for developing an inclusive teaching environment

• Published in: Advances in physiology education Vol. 47; no. 4; pp. 904 - 907
• Main Authors: Fortepiani, Lourdes A., Marsh, Susan A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bethesda American Physiological Society 01.12.2023
• Subjects: Experimental research; Multiculturalism & pluralism; School environment; Teachers; Teaching methods; Workplace diversity
• ISSN: 1043-4046; 1522-1229; 1522-1229
• DOI: 10.1152/advan.00014.2023

The educational landscape is becoming increasingly diverse, and there is a pressing need to ensure equity and inclusion in the classroom. In this article, we offer innovative techniques addressed during the 2022 Experimental Biology symposium on inclusive teaching and provide six practical recommendations for educators: 1) being intentional about how and what content is taught, 2) not making assumptions about students, 3) not being afraid to introduce students to difficult subjects, 4) designing a pedagogical approach to include all students, 5) being transparent about personal intentions, and 6) adjusting an approach that isn’t working for both teacher and students. The educational landscape is currently experiencing a growth in the diversity of the student population. Concomitantly, the scientific community continues to work toward increasing the diversity of its workforce while ensuring equity and inclusion for all. However, there is a pressing need for educators to promote these values and aspirations and embed them into their classrooms to continue to increase the diversity of the next generation of scientists. To explore this very topic, we developed and co-chaired a symposium at the 2022 Experimental Biology meeting entitled “Innovative Techniques for Developing an Inclusive Teaching Environment.” This paper will share the philosophies, approaches, findings, and suggestions from the symposium speakers and will provide recommendations for educators to consider when designing new courses or evaluating and revising current courses. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The educational landscape is becoming increasingly diverse, and there is a pressing need to ensure equity and inclusion in the classroom. In this article, we offer innovative techniques addressed during the 2022 Experimental Biology symposium on inclusive teaching and provide six practical recommendations for educators: 1) being intentional about how and what content is taught, 2) not making assumptions about students, 3) not being afraid to introduce students to difficult subjects, 4) designing a pedagogical approach to include all students, 5) being transparent about personal intentions, and 6) adjusting an approach that isn’t working for both teacher and students.