Diverse Representation

Provide ways for students to see themselves reflected in the discipline and to see “experts” in the field from many backgrounds.

Explanation and/or Examples

Use texts, videos, graphics, speakers, etc. to represent people from many backgrounds in varied roles.

Highlight the contributions from historically under-represented minorities in the field.

Include readings from authors with various backgrounds and perspectives.

Resource 

“Spotlighting Diverse Experts in STEM” (Curated list)

Social Impact within and Beyond the Field 

Highlight how course concepts/principles are relevant to different types of communities and, where appropriate, acknowledge the (historical) marginalization of various groups and its impact on the field.

Explanation and/or Examples

Use data to demonstrate how a particular concept or principle has not been applied equitably. For example:

• The unequal effects of pollution on underserved groups
• Resource allocation for public schools in rural areas or areas serving underrepresented minority groups 

Apply course principles within a variety of social arenas.

Acknowledge indigenous knowledge and practices that influence course concepts. 

Reflect with the class on whose voices are or are not represented in scholarly literature and other conversations on a given topic.

Resources

Coalition for Diversity and Inclusion in Scholarly Communications, Joint Statement of Principles (webpage)

Inclusive Citation, Andrea Baer, Rowan University Libraries (Library Research Guide)

Allowance for Prior Knowledge

Present course content so that objectives are attainable by students with varied prior knowledge.

Explanation and/or Examples

Define discipline specific vocabulary (Jargon) within the course materials.

Resources

TILT Higher Ed Examples and Resources, Transparency in Learning and Teaching Project (Website)

Accessible Content

Present course content so that objectives are attainable by students with varied prior knowledge.

Explanation and/or Examples

Define discipline specific vocabulary (Jargon) within the course materials.

Resources

TILT Higher Ed Examples and Resources, Transparency in Learning and Teaching Project (Website)

Affordable Materials

Keep course materials affordable.

Explanation and/or Examples

Integrate recommendations of the Rowan Affordability Taskforce.

Resources

Create an Affordably-Minded Class, Rowan University Student Success Programs (Website)

Student Agency Regarding Sensitive Topics

Make space for student voice in determining course topics and/or content.

Explanation and/or Examples

Design course assignments and activities in ways that enable student choice.

Provide content warnings in the syllabus, assignment sheets, and verbally when introducing sensitive content. The science on the efficacy of content warnings is mixed, but students may expect the warnings.

Offer alternative assignments for students who are not safely able to interact with certain course topics. 

Give students a confidential way to communicate any topics for which content warnings would be essential for their emotional safety.

Resources

An Introduction to Content Warnings and Trigger Warnings, Inclusive Teaching, University of Michigan (Website)

Recognizing Bias

Encourage students to consider the source of course content, including its contexts and any inherent biases.

Explanation and/or Examples

Recognize when authoritative voices are from historically dominant perspectives, where appropriate.

Help students identify counternarratives or alternative perspectives from historically marginalized communities.

Resources

5 Steps to Take as an Antiracist Data Scientist, Emily Hadley (Web article)

Inclusive Research and Citation Practices

Encourage students to seek a range of perspectives and types of information sources in their research.

Explanation and/or Examples

When teaching about source-based research, recognize in research instruction that search engines, and academic databases, and other search tools are not politically neutral spaces.

Support students in treating diverse perspectives with care throughout the research process.

Resources

Inclusive Citation, Andrea Baer, Rowan University Libraries (Library Research Guide)

Click Restraint for Critical Online Source Evaluation, Andrea Baer and Dan Kipnis (Conference presentation)