A Beginner's Guide to Inclusion - Academic Version

When it comes to the academic space, whether you're new to it or have been in it for some years, there are always things you can learn, improve, and implement to create a safe, inclusive, and equitable space for yourself, peers, colleagues, and students. This blog post will discuss what that could look like in an academic space.

Materials in Different Formats

Every learner, every person has a unique learning style. Presenting required and supplemental materials in various formats and different ways to keep them engaged will work wonders. Not only are you presenting material in ways that may make sense to your learners, but you are also supporting those who may have accommodations and need additional materials in different formats. The goal is to be inclusive and provide everyone with equitable academic opportunities. For example, you may have a learner who is more of a visual and interactive learner; you would develop the material, such as a "Test Your Knowledge" game or quiz, that will assist them in understanding terms, concepts, and definitions—additionally, those with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations. Of course, this is not a "one size fits all" scenario, and you will need to tailor it based on what they are stating and what doesn't work for them.

Provide Constructive and Positive Feedback

Feedback can be seen as an art, especially if it is constructive, positive, and strength-based compared to pointing out everything the learner did incorrectly. First, that will negatively impact their production, self-esteem, sense of belonging, experience in the space, and the relationship that would be building between faculty and learners. Regardless of each learner's academic level, meet them where they are and provide constructive and positive feedback while having them hold themselves accountable and take steps to improve.

Be Supportive

We are all human; our experiences are different, and we don't know what the other person may be going through. Providing support while holding students accountable for their role in the academic experience will typically result in a positive outcome.

We hope these suggestions are beneficial when developing and maintaining an inclusive academic space!

To learn more, please get in touch with us at contact@jaderesearchlab.org!