Enhancing Inclusive Teaching with Johns Hopkins University’s Strategy Card Deck

Here at Shuffled Ink, we’re proud to be part of initiatives that promote equity and inclusivity in education. One such initiative is the Inclusive Teaching Strategy card deck created by Johns Hopkins University. This powerful resource is designed to help educators implement inclusive practices in their classrooms, and it’s already having a positive impact at Michigan State University.

Recently, Dr. Stefanie Baier and Dr. Hima Rawal from the Graduate Educator Advancement and Teaching (GREAT) Office at Michigan State facilitated a workshop for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and postdocs. During this session, participants engaged with the Inclusive Teaching Strategy cards, designed to improve teaching practices and create welcoming, diverse learning environments. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the cards quickly became a go-to tool for these educators.

What Are the Inclusive Teaching Strategy Cards?

The Inclusive Teaching Strategy card deck from Johns Hopkins University is a set of cards designed to guide educators in creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Each card highlights a practical, research-backed strategy that can be easily integrated into any classroom or teaching context. Some of the key strategies covered include:

• Learning Students’ Names: Emphasizing the importance of correctly pronouncing students’ names to foster a respectful and inclusive atmosphere.
• Clear Expectations: Ensuring students know what’s expected of them from day one to avoid confusion and set them up for success.
• Inclusive Grouping: Utilizing tools like CATME to form diverse and inclusive groups, where all students can thrive.

The Workshop Experience at Michigan State University

During the workshop, 26 GTAs and postdocs came together to engage with these strategies. The session kicked off with an icebreaker activity, where participants shared the meanings of their names and discussed the best ways to remember them, setting a tone of inclusivity and respect.

Each group was then assigned an Inclusive Teaching Strategy card to explore in-depth. They had to read through their assigned strategy, share experiences of how they or their instructors have used the strategy, and discuss how it contributes to a more inclusive learning environment. This allowed everyone to reflect on the real-world application of these strategies and connect with one another over shared teaching experiences.

Reflections from Workshop Participants

Participants left the workshop feeling empowered and ready to implement the strategies they learned. Here are some reflections from three participants from different disciplines:

Participant 1 (Kinesiology)

“I really enjoyed this workshop! The cards are simple yet effective, and I love how they communicate inclusive teaching strategies. The cards are easy to understand and provide practical insights that I can start using immediately. For example, card 10 on setting clear expectations is something I will definitely integrate into my own teaching practices. It’s crucial to have clear class expectations from the start, and these cards will help me achieve that!”

Participant 2 (Earth and Environmental Sciences)

“These cards have already been a game-changer in how I approach teaching. I plan to use the strategy about learning students’ names with correct pronunciation, and I’ll include an icebreaker activity where students can share their names and engage with each other. I also plan to use CATME to help create inclusive groups, ensuring I give attention to students who might need extra support in group discussions.”

Participant 3 (Chemistry)

“The cards are practical, evidence-based, and adaptable to any teaching environment. They are not only easy to use but also grounded in solid educational research, which gives me confidence that these strategies work. I also like the flexibility of the blank cards, which let me customize my strategies. I’d love to see a digital version of the cards, with interactive features that make them even easier to use on the go!”

The Future of Inclusive Teaching Strategies

The Inclusive Teaching Strategy cards have proven to be an invaluable resource for educators looking to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their classrooms. By providing clear, actionable strategies and evidence-based practices, these cards empower instructors to make small but meaningful changes that have a lasting impact on student success.

However, as one participant pointed out, there’s always room for improvement. Some suggested enhancements include:

• Digital Versions: An interactive app or platform with search functions could make the cards more accessible and customizable.
• Context-Specific Guidance: More examples for different education levels and settings would make these strategies even more applicable across diverse teaching environments.
• Reflection Sections: Including a space for educators to reflect on their use of the strategies would encourage continuous improvement and shared learning.

Despite these ideas for improvement, the Inclusive Teaching Strategy cards remain a powerful tool for any educator committed to creating an inclusive classroom.

Get Your Own Inclusive Teaching Strategy Cards

Educators who are interested in making their classrooms more inclusive can get their own Inclusive Teaching Strategy cards from Johns Hopkins University. These cards provide an excellent starting point for any educator looking to foster an environment where every student feels valued and supported.

For more information on the Inclusive Teaching Strategy card deck, visit www.jhu.edu/inclusiveteachingcards.

Conclusion: A Tool for Every Educator

Whether you’re a graduate teaching assistant, a seasoned professor, or a teacher at any level, inclusive teaching strategies are vital to ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed. The Inclusive Teaching Strategy cards offer practical, evidence-based advice that makes it easier to create inclusive learning environments that benefit everyone.

If you’re interested in making your teaching more inclusive, these cards could be the perfect resource to help you get started – or to take your efforts to the next level. Explore the power of inclusive teaching today!