Using Community Agreements
Community agreements are statements that guide how members of a classroom community (students, instructors, TAs) will work and interact with each other. Establishing community agreements is an inclusive teaching strategy that supports a positive class climate and fosters student learning, academic success, and a sense of community. Community agreements can also serve as a roadmap for how to productively address the conflict that is a natural part of any community.
Learn more about how to create community agreements.
Addressing implicit biases and microaggressions
As Derald Wing Sue, a scholar of microaggressions, has noted “All of us are socialized into the society, and it really is the height of arrogance or naïveté to think that any of us are immune from inheriting biases that are deeply embedded in this society and culture. They come out in ways that we’re not aware of.” Often those biases manifest as microaggressions, which are brief verbal or behavioral slights or dismissals that negatively impact a member of a marginalized group. Microaggressions can be intentional, but are often unintentional and are rooted in the implicit bias to which Sue points.
Learn more about how to address microaggressions in academic environments.
Addressing emotionally-charged issues with students
This guide for addressing emotionally- or politically-charged news with students (PDF) is intended to help the UW community, particularly faculty and staff, navigate important conversations about violence perpetrated against communities of color. In this resource guide, you will find strategies for fostering thoughtful and difficult conversations in light of emotionally and politically charged news as well as mental health resources for students who may need additional support during challenging times.
Visit the Husky Health and Well-Being’s mental health page for more resources.
Responding to conflict and disruption
Even when instructors have taken steps to create inclusive learning environments, conflict and disruption may arise. The conflict may be the result of someone disregarding the class community agreements or may emerge from someone’s response to difficult or controversial content. While each situation will be somewhat unique, it’s a good idea to spend some time thinking in advance about how to respond.
Learn more about how to respond to conflict and disruption in the classroom.