Teaching and Learning
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion seeks to take on this endeavor through working collaboratively with faculty, offering education in the form of presentations and workshops, round table discussions, providing opportunities for one on one consultations, and assessing the needs of faculty and students.
The teaching and learning component of the office strives to:
- Support faculty in their identity development and well-being; because teaching is time-intensive, requires frequent human interaction, and is mentally, and at times emotionally laborious endeavor.
- Empower faculty on campus in delivering instruction and developing pedagogical philosophies and practices that foster equitable and inclusive learning abilities and environments.
- Partake in advocacy for faculty so that they can prioritize engaging in equitable teaching.
- Identify opportunities for uplifting faculty who are engaged in important work around equity and justice.
Fall 2021 Workshops
Who Am I?: Understanding How Identity Shapes Teaching Practice
Monday, October 25th 3:30-4:30pm
In this workshop session, we will be exploring social identities, our own identities, and how they impact teaching and learning. Participants should expect to engage in self-reflective activities, self-exploration, discussion, knowledge acquisition of concepts, and identifying possible activities to include in their pedagogical practice.
Preventing and Intervening on Microaggressions in the Classroom
Friday, November 19th, 11-12pm
In this workshop session, we will be unpacking, defining and identifying microaggressions and exploring strategies for responding to microaggressions. Participants should expect to engage in knowledge acquisition of concepts and an understanding of the historical context and the evolution of the use of microaggression terminology. Finally, through exploring potential scenarios attendees will practice intervention strategies to witnessing or engaging in microaggressions.
What Message Are You Sending Students?: The Syllabus as a Communicative Tool
Friday, December 3, 1-2:30pm
Within this session, we will explore how the syllabus communicates our personality, priorities, and pedagogy within the classroom. Additionally, we will explore language, practices, and assignments that can create a more equitable learning environment for students. We will also be providing time to workshop aspects of your syllabus. This is a great session to attend as you wrap the semester and consider ways to enhance your course for the upcoming semester. Co-presented with Dr. Agie Markiewicz-Hocking from the Nancy Thompson Learning Commons
One on one Consultations for Faculty
As a faculty member here at Kean, you may be interested in speaking to someone one on one on how to best address and engage in equitable teaching and create inclusive learning environments. Understanding how to address diversity, equity, justice, and/or inclusion in teaching and learning can be very difficult.
Identifying various areas of the learning experience can consist of curriculum content, what to incorporate in a syllabus, classroom interactions, addressing power dynamics, trigger warnings, identity, conflict, and more. If you are interested in gaining insights, perspective, counsel, or feedback, please fill out this form and block off a time on Dra. Hernandez Rivera's calendar to meet: https://forms.gle/5GnFQroaeC7inh898
Antiracism and Social Justice Grants
The purpose of these research grants is to uplift and support the work of faculty in the Kean community who are committed to conducting research projects that both illuminate and challenge racism, as well as other social justice issues. It also ensures that as a university invested in the public good and local and global community, that Kean remains committed to the work of antiracism and social justice. This is a collaborative initiative with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.