Introduction
As we seek to create equitable learning environments for students, many educators seek information on specific practices that can enhance the teaching and learning experience for all. This resource seeks to offer practices in several key areas:
- Making explicit cultural and disciplinary classroom expectations explicit.
- Identifying and supporting academic literacies.
- Implementing universal design for learning.
- Supporting multilingual writers.
- Supporting diverse teams.
- Creating inclusive online learning environments.
As we approach each of these areas, a common temptation is to search for technically-focused solutions, without considering the underlying approaches to intercultural teaching that inform practice. For this reason, this resource is intended to build upon the foundational principles explored in Foundations for Intercultural Teaching. Engagement with these principles, ideally in the context of a supportive educator learning community, lays the groundwork for contextualizing inclusive pedagogical practices in the context of a broader philosophy of intercultural teaching and personal intercultural development.
This resource comes together because of the expert contributions of several members of the KPU Teaching and Learning Commons team. Special thanks to Seanna Takacs and Jennifer Hardwick for their contributions to the chapters in this resource.
As you move ahead, you will be introduced to a range of practices. The first three chapters in this guide, What are Inclusive Pedagogies, Making Implicit Expectations Explicit, and Implementing Universal Design for Learning provide foundational principles that support educators across disciplines. These chapters are a recommended foundational starting place for all readers. From there, you are invited to explore the practices that are most relevant to your particular context.
Welcome to the journey of inclusive pedagogical practices.
