Developing EJI-Focused Course Materials through Workshops and Small-Group Cohort Support
Overview
Instructors in CAS have indicated immense anxiety around engaging in difficult conversations about highly politicized topics as well as an overwhelming desire to learn how to best approach these conversations in the classroom and elsewhere. Instructors also want to ensure that their classrooms, no matter the subject matter, are spaces where all students can learn and thrive.
This year the College is supporting a two-pronged initiative which includes 1) offering a series of programming concerning curricular development and inclusive pedagogies, and 2) piloting a small-group cohort where participants engage with the workshop lessons and each other over a quarter to develop concrete materials for their departments and their classrooms.
Workshops
In winter quarter, instructors in CAS will have access to two workshops. On January 26th, RaceTalk: Tools for Racial Justice will facilitate an all-day virtual workshop (9:30 am - 3:30 pm with a one-hour lunch break from noon - 1 pm). The first half will teach instructors to establish a framework for antiracist pedagogy and expectations to set a tone on the first day of class. The second half will guide instructors to develop students’ skills in engaging in cross-racial dialogues.
Note: The first half of the workshop is geared towards instructors of all types of classes regardless of content. The second half is more focused on instructors whose course topics deal with race and other forms of difference. While you can sign up for just the first half (9:30-12), if you want to participate in the second half, you must attend the whole workshop because it builds on the first half.
Register for RaceTalk Workshop
On February 16th from 1-3pm, UW’s Center for Teaching and Learning will facilitate an in-person workshop where participants consider inclusive pedagogy specifically in our institutional context. CTL will provide resources and strategies to help instructors build more inclusive learning environments. This will be an interactive workshop with opportunities to engage in activities and discussions. Location: Oak Hall, Denny Room.
Register for CTL Inclusive Pedagogies Workshop
Pilot Cohort
Summary
The second part of the initiative will pilot small group meetings that scaffold the workshops. Leveraging the lessons and skills learned, this cohort of eight instructors will meet four times during winter quarter to design or revamp lower division courses as well as create course modules that “encourage thinking critically on topics such as power, inequality, marginality, equity, and justice, and promote effective communication across differences.” (Div Task Force Report).
Goals
By working with others in a cohort, participants will receive peer mentorship around classroom EJI interventions and create a community of practice so that they don’t have to grow their EJI practice alone. Participants will have the opportunity to present their course materials at the CTL’s Spring symposium on April 16, 2024 and share their process of developing and building their skills as well as shifting their mindsets and practices.
Requirements
Participants in the pilot cohort are required to attend at least one workshop but will ideally attend both offered. They will also need to be available for four one-hour meetings with their cohort throughout winter quarter (10:30-11:30am on January 12, February 2, February 23, March 8). Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a $1,000 course development grant to support the continued creation/modifications of their courses.
The application consists of a short essay (200-250 words) on why you want to participate and a syllabus abstract (500-750 words) that includes a course title, a clear articulation of course outcomes and learning objectives, a description of how and why you intend to structure your course, and the type of readings, weekly themes, activities, assignments, and/or projects that will help you effectively reach desired instructional goals.
While graduate students can participate in the workshops, only faculty are eligible for the pilot cohort. Priority will be given to those creating or modifying large, lower division courses.
The deadline is December 4, 2023 by 11:59 pm.
Apply to inclusive pedagogies cohort