Teaching & Learning in the Diverse Classroom from edX

U.S.-based and higher education-centered, this is a five-module, self-paced course that offers an inclusive teaching framework with multiple entry points for reflection and exploration of the research on learning and diversity. Anchored in the lived experiences of students and instructors, including your own, we invite you to explore strategies for inclusive course design, student-centered pedagogical practices, facilitating learning across difference, and change efforts that support student engagement, achievement, and belongingness. Come with a course of your own in mind, and design for inclusion as you make your way through Teaching & Learning in the Diverse Classroom.

You will explore:

Your formative experiences as a learner, teacher, and member of a discipline
Strategies and exercises helpful in communicating effectively, facilitating discussion, and modeling inclusivity when unexpected issues arise
Research, frameworks, and models that help us understand why and how diversity and inclusion matter in teaching and learning

The research on MOOCs is clear that “taking the course with a friend” increases motivation to complete. We encourage you to reach out to a colleague or friend to invite them to take the course with you.

And, if you are planning to form a learning community to take the course as a cohort, request our facilitator's guide to help you plan.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Use a framework for inclusive course design;
Reflect on the implications of social identities—both students' and instructors'—within the teaching and learning environment;
Identify evidence-based pedagogical strategies you would like to try;

Increase your confidence to model inclusivity and facilitate discussion when unexpected issues arise; and
Assess your curriculum and discipline to identify historical patterns of exclusion and inclusion and discipline-specific approaches to thinking about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
If you complete the course, successfully, you will be able to:

Use a framework for inclusive course design;
Reflect on the implications of social identities—both students' and instructors'—within the teaching and learning environment;
Identify evidence-based pedagogical strategies you would like to try;
Increase your confidence to model inclusivity and facilitate discussion when unexpected issues arise; and
Assess your curriculum and discipline to identify historical patterns of exclusion and inclusion and discipline-specific approaches to thinking about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
If you complete the course, successfully, you will be able to:

Syllabus

This course is meant to foster self-reflection and offer practical, course-based change strategies. These are complex issues that extend far beyond a single experience. Our intention, therefore, is to also lay a foundation helpful in continuing to learn beyond this course.

We are committed to full inclusion in education for all persons and welcome learner feedback. We acknowledge that social identity and issues of power and authority affect everyone, and, based on our identities, some of us are asked earlier and more often to navigate these dynamics as they act to mitigate our progress individually and collectively.

Module 1: InstructorsReflect on your social identities and lived experiences, and consider how these shape who you are as a teacher and your approach to the classroom or other learning environments. Module 2: StudentsExplore students’ social identities, what the research says about how social identity may become salient in the classroom, and selected, key strategies for supporting student learning, including ameliorating implicit bias and stereotype threat, and fostering a disability-inclusive learning environment. Module 3: PedagogyExamine how to create and sustain an inclusive learning climate, with a focus on strategies useful in facilitating dialogue when unexpected challenges come up and how to prepare in advance for such moments. Module 4: CurriculumEvaluate your curriculum—what you teach—at both course and disciplinary levels, from a diversity perspective. Module 5: Action and ChangePlan for future actions you may take to affect the broader context of inclusion in teaching and learning, when and how you want to make change from the individual (course), to institutional (college), to cultural (disciplinary, community) levels.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds foundational knowledge by exploring strategies for inclusive course design

Develops crucial skills by demonstrating how to facilitate learning across difference

Enhances understanding of inclusive teaching practices through real-world examples

Supports learners with a focus on strategies useful in facilitating dialogue

Encourages critical thinking by introducing frameworks and models

Reviews summary

Inclusive education course

According to students, this course is an excellent choice for those interested in pursuing education. Students describe an ethical and inclusive approach to teaching that will prepare future educators for diverse classrooms. Students reported this engaging course has been a positive experience.

Prepares future educators for diverse classrooms

"develops and educate future educators like us how to be ethically diverse"

"who molds this institution"

"I believe that this certain way of eradicating education is must be normal for those people who believes education is matters the most who true who values it."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Teaching & Learning in the Diverse Classroom with these activities:

ReviewInclusive Teaching and Learning

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Reviewing inclusive teaching and learning strategies will enable you to refresh your knowledge and prepare for the course.

Browse courses on Inclusive Course Design

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Review the course syllabus
Read the course description
Skim relevant research articles

Volunteer with an organization that promotes diversity and inclusion

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Volunteering your time will give you firsthand experience with diversity and inclusion initiatives and help you develop empathy.

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Research different organizations
Identify a volunteer opportunity that interests you
Contact the organization to inquire about volunteering

Create a presentation on inclusive teaching practices

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Creating a presentation will synthesize your knowledge of inclusive teaching practices and allow you to share your insights with others.

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Research different inclusive teaching strategies
Create a presentation outline
Develop your presentation slides

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Explore strategies for creating an inclusive course design

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Guided tutorials will provide you with step-by-step instructions to help you create an inclusive course design.

Browse courses on Inclusive Course Design

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Research different techniques
Follow online tutorials
Attend workshops

Develop a lesson plan that incorporates inclusive teaching practices

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Creating a lesson plan forces you to think through the different components of inclusive teaching and how you can incorporate them into your own teaching.

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Research different inclusive teaching strategies
Identify ways to incorporate these strategies into your lesson plan
Write out your lesson plan

Develop a plan for implementing inclusive teaching practices in your own classroom

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Developing a plan for inclusive teaching practices will help you to think through the different steps you need to take to implement these practices in your classroom.

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Research different inclusive teaching strategies
Identify ways to incorporate these strategies into your teaching
Write out your plan

Mentor a new teacher in inclusive teaching practices

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Mentoring others will reinforce your understanding of inclusive teaching practices while allowing you to support colleagues.

Browse courses on Peer Support

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Identify a new teacher to mentor
Develop a mentoring plan
Meet regularly to discuss inclusive teaching practices

Contribute to an open-source project in the field of diversity and inclusion

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Contributing to open-source projects will give you hands-on experience with diversity and inclusion initiatives and help you develop technical skills.

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Research different open-source projects
Identify a project that interests you
Contact the project maintainers to inquire about contributing

Career center

Learners who complete Teaching & Learning in the Diverse Classroom will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Equity and Inclusion Officer

Equity and Inclusion Officers are responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs that promote diversity and inclusion within an organization. This course would be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a comprehensive overview of the key issues related to diversity and inclusion, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace. The course also helps participants develop their skills in communication, conflict resolution, and change management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Equity and Inclusion Officer

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Managers help organizations create a more inclusive and equitable work environment for all employees. This course would be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a framework for understanding diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive learning environment. The course also helps participants develop their skills in facilitating dialogue and addressing difficult issues related to diversity and inclusion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultants help organizations create more inclusive and equitable workplaces. This course would be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a framework for understanding diversity and inclusion, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive learning environment. The course also helps participants develop their skills in facilitating dialogue and addressing difficult issues related to diversity and inclusion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant

Professor of Diversity and Inclusion

Professors of Diversity and Inclusion teach and research about diversity and inclusion in higher education. This course would be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a comprehensive overview of the key issues related to diversity and inclusion, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive learning environment. The course also helps participants develop their skills in teaching, research, and curriculum development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor of Diversity and Inclusion

Organizational Development Consultant

Organizational Development Consultants help organizations improve their performance by developing and implementing change initiatives. This course would be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a framework for understanding diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive work environment. The course also helps participants develop their skills in communication, conflict resolution, and change management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Consultant

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for a variety of tasks related to employee relations, including recruiting, hiring, training, and development. This course would be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a framework for understanding diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive work environment. The course also helps participants develop their skills in communication, conflict resolution, and change management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Student Affairs Administrator

Student Affairs Administrators are responsible for providing a variety of services to students, including academic advising, counseling, and career counseling. This course would be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a framework for understanding diversity and inclusion in higher education, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive learning environment. The course also helps participants develop their skills in communication, conflict resolution, and student development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Student Affairs Administrator

Social Worker

Social Workers help people overcome social and economic challenges. This course would be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a framework for understanding diversity and inclusion, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive environment. The course also helps participants develop their skills in communication, conflict resolution, and case management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

School Counselor

School Counselors provide academic, career, and personal counseling to students. This course would be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a framework for understanding diversity and inclusion in education, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive learning environment. The course also helps participants develop their skills in communication, conflict resolution, and student development.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Counselor

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations. This course would be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a framework for understanding diversity and inclusion in the nonprofit sector, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace. The course also helps participants develop their skills in management, fundraising, and program development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address social problems. This course would be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a framework for understanding diversity and inclusion, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive community. The course also helps participants develop their skills in communication, conflict resolution, and community organizing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Diversity Trainer

Diversity Trainers provide training and development on diversity and inclusion issues. This course would be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a comprehensive overview of the key issues related to diversity and inclusion, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace. The course also helps participants develop their skills in communication, conflict resolution, and adult learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity Trainer

Manager

Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of businesses and organizations. This course may be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a framework for understanding diversity and inclusion, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manager

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and organizations. This course may be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a framework for understanding diversity and inclusion, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. This course may be helpful for someone in this role because it provides a framework for understanding diversity and inclusion, as well as strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur