“When They Are Real With Us”: Student Perceptions of Inclusive Teaching and Learning Practices
Keywords:
inclusive pedagogy, learning climate, biasAbstract
Instructors are encouraged to use inclusive learning strategies, but few studies examine student perceptions of these approaches (Cook-Sather et al., 2021). In this mixed-methods study, participants completed a 14-question survey assessing their perceptions of inclusive learning, including which strategies they consider inclusive and supportive of learning processes and which they consider exclusionary. Overall, participants noted that positive reinforcement, clear communication, and group-based learning support inclusivity, while instructor bias and poor communication make students feel excluded. Based on the findings, the authors recommend promoting inclusivity by being transparent, building clear expectations, recognizing personal biases, and facilitating a culture of grace.
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