Teaching & Learning Resources

Syllabus Development Guidelines

Faculty are encouraged to develop their course syllabi in alignment with the standards established by the Council on Instruction. Additionally, integrating resources that focus on creating student-centered syllabi with an emphasis on accessibility and equity can enhance the learning experience for all students.

Other Resources

Inclusive Statements to Add to Syllabi - from CSU Chico

Making Your Class and Syllabus More Equitable

Teaching with Transparency

Transparent teaching involves clearly communicating course expectations, objectives, and assessment criteria to students. This approach demystifies the learning process, helping students understand the purpose behind their assignments and how to succeed.

Learn More about Transparent Teaching

Equity-Minded Teaching

Equity-minded teaching requires educators to reflect on their practices and consider how they can create inclusive learning environments.

Equity Minded Teaching Strategies

Incorporate Active Learning Strategies

Active learning engages students in the process of learning through activities and discussions, rather than passively listening to lectures. Techniques such as think-pair-share, problem-solving tasks, and group projects can enhance understanding and retention.

Discover Active Learning Techniques

Design a Learning-Centered Syllabus

A learning-centered syllabus focuses on the needs of the students and outlines a clear path for their success. It includes elements such as course objectives, learning outcomes, assessment methods, and resources to support student learning.

Ideas for Creating a Learning-Centered Syllabus

Designing & Facilitating Effective Teams for Group Work

Effective group work requires careful planning and facilitation. Establishing clear goals, roles, and expectations, as well as providing guidance on collaboration and conflict resolution, can enhance the effectiveness of team-based learning.

Strategies for Effective Group Work

Equity Resources

• California Community Colleges: DEI in Curriculum: Model Principles and Practices (2022)

  This comprehensive guide offers DEIA suggestions applicable across various disciplines and student populations, aiming to foster inclusive and equitable learning environments.

• Office of Diversity, Equity, and Student Success - AAC&U

  The AAC&U's office provides resources and initiatives to advance institutional transformation, focusing on equity and student success in higher education.

• Equality vs. Equity - Santa Ana College

  This resource elucidates the distinction between equality and equity, emphasizing the importance of tailored support to achieve equitable educational outcomes.

• An Overview of Equity in Education - Western Governors University

  Western Governors University discusses its commitment to DEIA, highlighting initiatives and programs designed to promote equity in higher education.

Equity Tools

• Open Educational Resources

  A public digital library of open educational resources, allowing educators to explore, create, and collaborate to improve curriculum.

• The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures

  Introduces easy-to-learn interaction methods that enhance relational coordination and trust, fostering lively participation in groups of any size.

• Ungrading

  A comprehensive bibliography exploring alternative assessment practices that focus on learning and feedback rather than traditional grading.

Useful Sources

• Importance of Cultural Awareness for Educators

  This article discusses the significance of cultural awareness in education and offers strategies for educators to implement culturally responsive teaching practices.

• Inclusive Teaching: Strategies for Promoting Equity in the College Classroom

  Authors Kelly A. Hogan and Viji Sathy provide practical tips for addressing inequities in the college classroom, aiming to make all students feel welcome and included.

• "Three Ways to Speak English" TED Talk by Jamila Lyiscott

  In this TED Talk, Jamila Lyiscott explores the concept of "code-switching" and the multifaceted nature of language within different cultural contexts.

• "Inequities and Ethical Dilemmas Beyond the Classroom: Joseph's Story"

  This article prompts educators to self-reflect on their positionality, moral decision-making, and culturally relevant pedagogies to address inequities within educational institutions.

• Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead)

  Edited by Susan D. Blum, this collection examines the practice of ungrading and offers insights into alternative assessment methods that focus on learning rather than grading.

• Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education: Strategies for Teaching

  Edited by Rita Kumar and Brenda Refaei, this book provides strategies for promoting equity and inclusion in higher education teaching practices.

• Promoting Inclusive Classroom Dynamics in Higher Education

  Authored by Kathryn C. Oleson, this book offers guidance on fostering inclusive classroom environments and managing dynamics to support all students.

• What Inclusive Instructors Do

  Authors Tracie Marcella Addy, Derek Dube, Khadijah A. Mitchell, and Mallory SoRelle provide insights into effective inclusive teaching strategies in higher education.

California Community Colleges Resources

• Vision 2030- California Community Colleges

  Learn about the Vision for Success, a strategic framework designed to improve student success and reduce equity gaps across California Community Colleges by 2030.

• Guided Pathways - California Community Colleges

  Explore the Guided Pathways initiative, which aims to provide clear, structured educational roadmaps to help students achieve their goals efficiently and equitably.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Resources

• The 3 UDL Principles Elaborated, from CAST

  An in-depth explanation of the three Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to enhance inclusive practices in education.

• 14 Common Elements of UDL in the College Classroom, from ENACT

  A practical guide listing 14 elements that align with UDL principles to support inclusive teaching in higher education.

• Critical Elements of UDL in Instruction, from UDL-IRN

  Highlights the essential UDL elements critical for effective instructional design and inclusive learning environments.