| I need help with: | Ideas for Implementation | Resources |
| Implementing principles of Universal Design for Learning | Following the principles of Universal Design for Learning(opens in new window): - Provide multiple means of engagement: Create activities that encourage self-reflection and identification of personal goals, create opportunities for students to self-check their learning, create opportunities for collaborative work.
- Provide multiple means of representation: Present information in various formats (written text, visual forms, audio files, diagrams, etc.), embed cross-curricular connections, identify ways to tap into students’ knowledge and experiences.
- Provide multiple means of action and expression: Provide alternative methods for students to demonstrate knowledge and learning, use technology and interactive tools, allow students to solve problems using a variety of strategies.
| Teaching Guide: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Podcast: Universal Design for Learning(opens in new window) |
| Making my course (more) accessible | - Familiarize yourself with main issues related to accessibility (lacking alt text for images, missing headings in word or PDF documents).
- Run the Ally Course Accessibility Report(opens in new window) in Canvas and address content with the easiest issues to fix.
- File a ticket with ATEC(opens in new window) for remediating more complex content.
- Consider access and accessibility in broader terms than disability and ADA compliance (students living in rural areas with low internet bandwidth, the cost of third-party software, etc.).
| Teaching Guide:Access and Accessibility Accessible Course Materials – Technology & Learning Program Accessibility Resource Center (ARC). Policy for the Use of Digital Technologies in Teaching and Learning. |
| Diversifying course materials and assignments | - Diversify your course materials, including a variety of formats: written texts, media content, visual representations, audio files, etc.
- Diversify the perspectives you present in the course beyond canonical work.
- Add work and readings from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors.
- Diversify assignments and assessments to allow students to demonstrate learning in different ways and styles.
| Teaching Guide: Podcasting for Teaching and Learning Podcasting for Teaching and Learning (Google Slide) Teaching Guide: Black Lives Matter in the Classroom Teaching Guide: Diversifying Course Content |
| Establishing inclusive class norms and rules of engagement. | - Question your own positionality and authoritative role as an instructor.
- Identify potential power dynamics in the class and consider ways to address those dynamics.
- Invite students to participate in establishing class norms to create a more inclusive environment, including during difficult conversations.
| Teaching Guide: Self-Awareness and Positionality Teaching Guide: Classroom Climate & Environment |
| Implementing culturally sustaining pedagogy. | - Incorporate surveys, discussions, and/or activities that can help you better understand your students’ social and cultural backgrounds.
- Build relationships and encourage students to share their cultural heritage and capital in the learning process.
- Assess your teaching practices to determine whether or not they are culturally inclusive.
- Consider the ways in which many students must learn how to navigate academia for the first time (hidden curriculum(opens in new window)): learning about academic and cultural expectations, being exposed to institutional rules and structures, adapting to different learning strategies.
| Teaching Guide: Culturally Responsive Teaching Teaching Guide: Creating Anti-Racist Classrooms |
