On January 19, WMU English Graduate students sat down to lunch and conversation led by Theater Professor Dr. Lofty Durham. The event was part of the English Department’s 10-part DEI Series in Pedagogy. English Graduate students who attend at least six events in a calendar year can receive a department award. To find more about the series and upcoming events, please contact Shahana Afsar at shahana.afsar@wmich.edu.
Incorporating inclusive teaching practices in requires some very honest self-reflection, says Durham. “You’ve got what you think is happening in the classroom and then you have what is actually happening.” As it may be difficult for instructors to recognize their own biases in praxis, Durham recommends bringing in an observer, who can alert instructors to the ways in which their teaching practices may contribute to marginalization of systematically minoritized students. Durham also recommends asking students themselves for feedback, using CATs. No, he doesn’t mean the meme-able fluffy animals or the Broadway Musical. CAT stands for Classroom Assessment Techniques. Durham suggests that instructors give students opportunities to give anonymous, written feedback on classroom practices throughout the semester, and then, evolve classroom practices based on helpful feedback.
WMU English ABAR Group 