J-WEL 2022 Hidden Messages

Part of being an effective instructor is being able to critically examine the practices
we employ, and determine how students might react to those practices. This
reflective examination can help us identify areas of strength and opportunities for
growth as we become more experienced in inclusive teaching.

For each of the common practices assigned to your small group, discuss the
following:

● Why might an instructor use this practice?

● What is implied about the instructor’s values and the expectations for the
students?

● Which student behaviors are encouraged and which are discouraged by

using this practice?

● Is this practice more or less inclusive? What could be done to modify this
practice to ensure inclusivity?

● Are there any additional considerations that affect how this practice is
used?
Common (both more and less inclusive) teaching practices:

1. Use lots of color to convey information

2. Present material in written and verbal forms (e.g., presentation w/

handout)

3. Leave time for questions during class

4. Ask for volunteers to share responses to a question

5. Have designated reporters during small group discussion

6. Allow students to submit questions anonymously after class via “exit

tickets”

7. Respond to correct answers with “excellent job” and “great answer”

8. Discuss classic case-studies, canonical examples, and founders of the field

9. Share a time when you struggled as a student with similar material that you
are teaching

10.Let students form their own small groups for a long-term project