Designing learning experiences, materials, and systems with belonging in mind before students arrive
Before course launch, we are preparing. From a belonging lens, preparation is the time to inventory all the tools, strategies, resources, and pedagogical approaches that appear in the course. If this is a new course, this is the time where we collaborate with colleagues and model belonging behaviors in our work together. For existing courses, this moment is an opportunity to evaluate the alignment among all the existing structures and practices in the course and reflect on whether they support or conflict with belonging goals.
The preparation phase sets the stage for cultivating belonging throughout the learning experience. During preparation, changes can be made to better align the tools and practices students will experience to ensure all of these work in harmony to support belonging.
Use these templates or tools to support your practice:
Download Belonging Inventory Download 5 Critical Questions Handout Download UDL Guidelines by CAST