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Welcome to the CIRTL Network’s Virtual Coffee Hour
TEACHING IN DIVERSE CLASSROOMS
A. T. Miller
Session begins at: 1 PM CT
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Yanqiao Chen
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A. T. Miller, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Diversity Initiatives, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, Cornell University
TEACHING IN DIVERSE CLASSROOMS
Yanqiao Chen, Undergraduate in the Dept of Chemistry, McNair Scholar, Chemistry & Physics TA & Tutor, Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives, Cornell University
Using Classroom Diversity to Enhance Learning
Recognize variations among student preferences and strengthsHelp students understand and value the differences between each otherMake sure that student assignments and participation are open to all equallyDon’t make spokespeople or examples of any particular students.
Some Principles for Teaching Inclusively
Use dynamics of group workAvoid gate keeping/trackingConcept-based AND problem-basedStudy groups outside of classAvoid “under-teaching”Relevant and varied modeling, topics, examples, and projects
Dynamics of Group Work
Instructor chooses groups and teamsChange groups at least onceProvide roles, structures, proceduresHeterogeneous ‘ability’ within groupsGrade the groupVaried learning styles
http://www.ncsu.edu/felderpublic/ILSpage.html
Avoid Gate Keeping
Be the coach, not the judgeDon’t set up students in competition with each other (never grade on a curve, avoid “winners” and “losers”)Grade to clear standards and expectationsUse exams as group goals
Problem vs. Concept-based
Balance these approachesRecognize the biases of the material and field you teach and compensateAllow for varied methods that achieve correct resultsInclude plenty of examples and applications
Study Groups
Encourage students to work together outside of class in regular study groupsProvide structure, roles, and guidance to such groupsAssign and change groups at least once a semester
“Under-teaching”
Monitor your own behavior, or ask a colleague to observe youBe sure to rotate classroom roles and expectations in a regular pattern throughout all studentsBe aware of those students you identify with and those who put you off
Constant Relevant Variation
Draw on variety of resources for problems, examples, procedures.Make room for student contributions, especially in areas unfamiliar to youExchange ideas with colleagues of varied backgroundsTake students into the community
General ClimateOpen and challenging atmosphereUse differences constructivelyGive students shared responsibilityEncourage full participationProvide a variety of modalitiesGuide and support students to apply learning to their individual experiencesReframe to take ‘heat’ off surprising or unpopular individual contributions
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A. T. Miller, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Diversity Initiatives, Senior Lecturer, Department of English, Cornell University
TEACHING IN DIVERSE CLASSROOMS
Yanqiao Chen, Undergraduate in the Dept of Chemistry, McNair Scholar, Chemistry & Physics TA & Tutor, Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives, Cornell University
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UPCOMING CIRTL EVENTS
BUILDING AN ACADEMIC CAREER
COFFEE HOUR SERIES
TEACHING AND LEARNING IN THE STEM CLASSROOM COFFEE HOUR SERIES
To sign up to hear about these and other CIRTL events, email [email protected].
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Facilitated by:
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