Creating Equitable, Inclusive, and Culturally Responsive Spaces
The Purpose
When it comes to teaching in the 21 st century and post pandemic, it requires that we rethink and reform the kind of classroom environments we create for our students. A brave space that is equitable, inclusive, culturally responsive, and provides a sense of belonging refers to an environment where all students, regardless of their backgrounds, intersectional identities, learning preferences, or education feel supported intellectually, culturally, academically and are extended a sense of belonging in your classroom. It is these kinds of classroom environments where students and faculty work together for respect and academic excellence. Additionally, faculty who are culturally attuned to students diverse cultural backgrounds and identities, build stronger relationships with students which can then lead students to prosper academically.
Creating a classroom tone that exudes a caring and supportive environment allows students to explore the connections among course material, personal, and social experiences. To create such an environment, this entails faculty to consider promoting a brave space that is equitable, inclusive, culturally responsive, and provides a sense of belonging in their syllabi, assigned readings, through dialogic activities, etc. Furthermore, the foundation of such an environment lies in community building, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging brave spaces where students feel comfortable enough to be transparent at the margins of their comfort zones.
Resources
For more information on creating brave spaces that are equitable, inclusive, culturally responsive, and provide a sense of belonging, please see the following resources: