A core initiative of the RIDGE project is to help JMU Biology instructors advance an innovative and inclusive teaching culture. These faculty-led efforts have included providing training and resources in attending to the goals of:
- increasing instructor self-awareness about their assumptions and actions in the classroom
- alleviating patterns of inequity in teaching and learning environments
- fostering a positive classroom climate that values students’ varied identities, backgrounds, and experiences
- promoting pedagogical practices that effectively support the learning of all students
- leveraging networks within the department and across campus that support the social and academic experiences of students as well as the inclusive practices of instructors
To help achieve these goals, a variety of programs have been offered that address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues and classroom practices such as workshops on inclusive teaching and mentoring, reading groups, DEI-focused pedagogy training for new graduate instructors, and one-on-one consultations with instructors.
Questions about this initiative can be directed to Dr. Kimberly Slekar.
Biology Department
