Chapter 3. Creating a Deliberate Learning Environment

Creating a deliberate learning environment so students have equitable opportunities to learn

Inclusive learning happens on purpose. Establishing an inclusive learning environment involves consciously, intentionally, and continuously engaging in practices that account for the disparate identities and resources that students have. Conscious inclusive teaching involves awareness of how course material and practices affect students’ according to their identities. Intentional inclusive teaching involves purposefully developing and implementing practices that align with students’ identities and resources. Finally, continuous inclusive teaching involves enhancing your conscious and intentional practices as you grow as an educator over time. These practices broaden the opportunities for students to experience success in their learning environments. This section focuses on how to create a deliberate learning environment before the semester begins by utilizing inclusive language in the syllabus (Level 1), choosing inclusive course materials (Level 2), and incorporating student choice in their learning (Level 3).