Creating Inclusive Learning Environments so All Students Can Thrive

In the same way our society is becoming increasingly more diverse, so are our classrooms. According to the American Council on Education, each year we are seeing a steady rise in enrollment of students of color. Nontraditional students now make up 75% of the students enrolled in secondary education, and women now outnumber men in undergraduate enrollment for every racial and ethnic group. Nearly one-third of all students enrolled are the first in their families to attend college, and the number of international students in the U.S. grew to 948,519 in the 2021/22 academic year, which is an increase from the previous year.

As faculty, how do you create a safe and inclusive environment where all students can thrive?

In this workshop, you will learn:

• Teaching inclusively: What it means and why it matters
• The importance of infusing social justice into every aspect of teaching and learning
• The five-part framework for teaching inclusively
• Strategies for diversifying your curriculum (based on students’ recommendations)

Presentation takes place on Zoom.

Dr. Luiza Dreasher has over 20 years of experience researching, teaching, and writing about diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competence development. Her global and domestic diversity expertise has led to consulting jobs and training programs for numerous audiences, including the United States Department of Defense, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Schreiber Foods of Brazil, Navitaire, MN Department of Public Safety, and numerous institutions of higher education.

Lunch and Learn is part of an ongoing monthly series of presentation and discussions hosted by the College of Management. This conversation is open to all educators, administrators, instructional designers, and students of Minnesota State Education System.

Meet new faculty, gather with long-time friends from across Minnesota State, and bring questions and ideas (along with your lunch) to these monthly gatherings that will include conversation starters and an opportunity for both large and small group conversations. For information, contact organizers Dr. Mehmet Koseoglu, or Dr. Erica Berte.