Inclusivity enhances learning.
Here are some tips to help make every participant feel welcome in your class:
- In face-to-face learning contexts, walk around the room to show you're reaching all students.
- Choose examples you use carefully. Show a range of cultural backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations. Include able-bodied people and people with disabilities.
- Choose the questions you ask carefully and wait for students to answer.
- Encourage responses by making eye contact, pleasant facial expressions and nodding.
- Encourage all students to participate in online and face-to-face discussions.
- Credit the contribution of students by repeating their names, for example, "As Susan said..."
- Ask for additional information to prompt students to think deeper, for example, "Why do you think that is?"
- Write the student's comments for all to see, either on a white board, flip chart, screen or online forum. Summarize the comments and refer back to them later to encourage more participation.