Designing Effective and Inclusive Courses: Exploring the Art of Syllabus Crafting
10:00 am – 10:10 am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Shiang-Kwei WangShiang
Provost and Vice President of OAA
Daisy Cocco de Filippis
President, Hostos Community College
Carlos Guevara
CTL Co-Director & EdTech Director
Silvia Reyes
Director of SP Projects
Student Engagement & CLIP
Andrea Fabrizio
Associate Dean
Academic Affairs
10:10 am – 10:40 am
Exploring Inclusive Classrooms: Definition, Significance, and Practical Examples
Join us for an enlightening session where we dive into the concept of inclusive classrooms. Do we all share a common definition of what makes a classroom truly inclusive? Let’s discuss the significance of fostering inclusivity and its profound benefits for both students and faculty. Together, we’ll explore various examples from people’s syllabi, seeking diverse perspectives that can enrich our understanding and lead to meaningful conversations. Discover practical strategies to cultivate inclusivity in your teaching approach and contribute to a more inclusive educational community.
Presenter: Stacey Cooper, Assistant Professor, Behavioral & Social Sciences
10:40 am – 11:40 am
Breakout Rooms
Session I: Building Foundations: Crafting a Syllabus Introduction, Course Overview, and Structure
In this session, we will explore innovative techniques and approaches to creating a welcoming atmosphere, providing an overview of the course, understanding the importance of learning from best practices, and structuring the course effectively. Learn valuable strategies to enhance the welcome and icebreaker activities and gain a deeper understanding of course essential to maximize learning and reduce barriers in the classroom.
Moderator:
Mayra Mojica, Lecturer, Business
Session II: Guiding Principles: Navigating Policies, Grading, and Upholding Academic Integrity
In this session, we will consider the ways in which the rules of our courses – classroom procedures, grading rubrics, and policies of academic integrity – can create (or fail to create) an inclusive environment. In what ways are we setting students up for success, and how are we accidentally constructing barriers? Join us to share ideas and learn about the different ways our colleagues are crafting a more equitable classroom.
Moderators:
Amina Tajbhai, Lecturer, English
Jenna Queenan, Humanities Alliance Graduate
Session III: Tech-Infused Teaching: Exploring Technology Integration and Resource Strategies
Incorporating Technology in Teaching, and Identifying Additional Resources
Moderators:
Rhonda Johnson, Assistant Professor , Library
Jacqueline DiSanto, Professor, Education
11:40 am – 11:45 am
Break
11:45 am – 12:05 pm
This session will offer an opportunity to hear about the emerging themes and conversations at the breakout rooms sessions and draw conclusions and future steps.
Moderators:
Cynthia Jones, Lecturer, English, CTL Co-Director
Carlos Guevara, CTL Co-Director & EdTech Director
12:05 pm – 12:55 pm
Join our panel discussion as we explore the synergy between syllabus design, building community, and navigating challenging conversations in education. Discover perspectives and strategies for inclusivity, engaging difficult dialogues, and fostering empowering learning environments. Panelists will share insights on infusing empathy into syllabus structures, addressing diverse perspectives, and promoting an inclusive educational experience where every voice is heard and respected.
Moderator:
Carlos Guevara
CTL Co-Director & EdTech Director
Panelists:
Nicole Wallenbrock, Assistant Professor, Humanities
Anne Lovering Rounds, Associate Professor, English
Asrat Amnie, Assistant Professor, Education
12:55 pm – 1:00 pm
Cynthia Jones, Lecturer, English, CTL Co-Director