Why Do We Need Inclusive Teaching If Everyone Learns in the Same Way?

Credit: iStock.com/Nazan Akpolat
Credit: iStock.com/Nazan Akpolat
Do people learn in the same way or different ways? According to cognitive science, the answer is the former. There are general principles of learning that apply to everyone, such as the importance of attention and the value of good learning strategies like spacing and retrieval practice (e.g., Weinstein et al., 2018). At the same time, some educational researchers, especially ones who emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion, focus on differences in learning. Ives and Castillo-Montoya (2020), for example, state that “academic learning is understood as situated within a particular sociohistorical context and shaped by sociocultural identities and practices” (p. 140). By this definition, learning is as unique as the cultural backgrounds of each student. Thus, to assume that there is a normative way in which students learn is to estrange a certain segment of the class, and the groups that are traditionally marginalized are most likely to experience this fate. Thus, we have numerous resources on inclusive teaching (e.g., Finklestein et al., 2021; Sathy & Hogan, 2022).

To continue reading, you must be a Teaching Professor Subscriber. Please log in or sign up for full access.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

I have two loves: teaching and learning. Although I love them for different reasons, I’ve been passionate about...
You’ve prepared a fabulous, interactive class. You’ve designed engaging activities, developed meaningful discussion questions, and cultivated an inviting...
AI has become a part of nearly all facets of teaching, from lesson development to exam creation to...
Navigating the gulf between the most and least prepared students in a course can seem like an insurmountable...
I’ve taught a course in statistics for psychological research for almost 40 years. No student becomes a psych...
My course is literally about teaching reading to young children, a challenge given that research suggests that college...
We’ve long known that reading long blocks of text can lead to wandering minds and lower retention. It’s...

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to limited free articles, news alerts, and select newsletters

Login here

Get unlimited access to The Teaching Professor

Stay informed. Subscribe Now.

WELCOME OFFER

$19.00 $14.00/month

for your first 6 months. Use coupon code TP6MO.

$19.00 thereafter. Cancel anytime.

Enjoy unlimited access to all of The Teaching Professor

You only have  free article views remaining.

WELCOME OFFER

$19.00 $14.00/month

for your first 6 months. Use coupon code TP6MO.

$19.00 a month thereafter. Cancel anytime.

Are you signed up for free weekly Teaching Professor updates?

You'll get notified of the newest articles.