In the days leading up to and following the presidential election, our country has seen discord and, in some unfortunate cases, verbal and physical violence. As part of the teaching community at Ohio State, we know that these emotions can enter into our class interactions. We also know from research that making room for diverse perspectives and using inclusive pedagogies strengthens us as a community and promotes deeper learning.
Ohio State is an institution that values diversity and inclusion in everything we do as well as acting with integrity by proceeding with honesty, fairness, and treating everyone with respect. In recent messages, President Drake reminds us, “It is incumbent upon us all to rebuild the sense of inclusion and support that has been key to the vibrant and engaged experience that is Ohio State.”
The University Center for the Advancement of Teaching continues to be committed to diverse, inclusive and civil classrooms. Below is a handful of resources to help teachers productively navigate these conversations in their courses. We also recommend that you review UCAT’s bibliography on teaching the election, which was assembled earlier this fall.
As always, consultants from UCAT are available to work with you and/or your department to address these issues, and any other issues that may be shaping the teaching and learning environment in which we collectively strive for inclusive excellence.
Resources for Teaching in the Post-Election Classroom
University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, “Returning to the Classroom after the Election.”
Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching, “Difficult Dialogues.”
Duquesne Center for Teaching Excellence, “Pedagogy and Micro-Resistance: A Strategy for the College Classroom.”
Attacking Ideas, Not People: Using Structured Controversy in the College Classroom (1996. Toward the Best in the Academy 7.7)