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In Spring 2022 we had talks from three nationally recognized speakers on the following topics: inclusive teaching, promoting growth mindset, and trauma-informed education. Here are the descriptions of and links to each talk.
- Growth Mindset: As Dr. Angie Bauer argued, we promote learning and resilience and reduce equity gaps when instructors and students embrace the idea that abilities can be changed and developed (Yeager & Dweck, 2020).
- Inclusive Teaching: Dr. Addy’s IDI keynote shared more about inclusive teaching as “being responsive to the diversity our class and designing learning environments that include all of our students” (Addy, 2021).
- Trauma-Informed Education: Dr. Mays Imad asserted that learning is promoted through class environments characterized by security or predictability, transparent communication, peer support, shared decisions, promoting student strengths, recognizing diversity and identity, and a sense of purpose (Imad, 2020).
Applying all three approaches to your work may seem daunting, but there are common, evidence-based teaching strategies that achieve all at once. We list them below, along with how they “fit” each category and linked resources.
Pre-Semester or Early in the Semester
Use positive, student-centered syllabus language.
- Growth mindset: Reinforces ability to achieve and recover from mistakes
- Inclusive: Sets transparent, high, achievable goals for all
- Trauma-informed: Provides for security and communication transparency
- Tools & ideas:
Gather info to learn about students & build rapport.
- Growth mindset: Gives instructor background/context to promote growth
- Inclusive: Values the multiple identities of each student as a person
- Trauma-informed: Recognizes diversity and identity; promotes security
- Tools & ideas:
Align learning outcomes with what you teach & assess.
- Growth mindset: Provides outcomes clearly; students can self-assess growth
- Inclusive: Sets transparent goals for all and links assessment to them
- Trauma-informed: Promotes security with transparent communication
- Tools & ideas:
Discuss growth mindset and its impacts with students.
- Growth mindset: Teaches what growth mindset is and its benefits
- Inclusive: Minimizes imposter syndrome and/or stereotype threat
- Trauma-informed: Promotes student strengths and makes mistakes “safe”
- Tools & ideas:
During the Semester
Publish rubrics in advance and use them for grading.
- Growth mindset: Reinforces growth is possible with very specific feedback
- Inclusive: Uses transparent, standard criteria and increases equity
- Trauma-informed: Provides security and transparency via clear standards
- Tools & ideas:
Use active and problem-based learning.
- Growth mindset: Provides chance for self-assessment and learning from errors
- Inclusive: Fosters inclusion if assign groups and use collaboration
- Trauma-informed: Promotes peer support and sense of purpose in learning
- Tools & ideas:
Collect and respond to exam wrapper or mid-term feedback.
- Growth mindset: Models growth mindset as you show openness to change.
- Inclusive: Respects all student voices and promotes reflection
- Trauma-informed: Promotes reflection on strengths and shared decisions
- Tools & ideas:
Use multiple methods of assessment.
- Growth mindset: Gives students many ways or chances to show strengths
- Inclusive: Honors different ways of knowing and demonstrating it
- Trauma-informed: Recognizes diversity and may involve shared decisions
- Tools & ideas:
Late in Semester or Post-Semester
Consider authentic assessments vs. “final exams."
- Growth mindset: Asks students to “do” the subject and show growth
- Inclusive: Situates assessment in real world context and issues
- Trauma-informed: Reinforces sense of purpose in learning
- Tools & ideas:
Collect and reflect upon student feedback.
- Growth mindset: Allows students to reflect on learning process and growth
- Inclusive: Respects all student voices and promotes reflection
- Trauma-informed: Emphasizes shared decisions and open communication
- Tools & ideas: