Module 5: Learning Communities – Learning Through Diversity

What is Diversity? (5.1.1) (slides)

Cori Fata-Hartley discusses the definition of “diversity”, diversity in STEM, and the dimensions of difference.

The Value of Diversity (5.1.2) (slides)

Cori Fata-Hartley discusses the value of having diversity represented across STEM disciplines and how this representation (i.e., including the composition of groups) leads to advances in STEM fields to meet the challenges of the future. In this video, several examples are discussed with references.

Discussion: Describe a specific example of how diversity in your discipline had advanced science. Please make sure you identify your discipline. Post in the discussion below.

Segment 1 Activities (5.1.3) (slides)

Readings are reviewed and discussed how they relate to the content of the module. Additionally, Dr. Fata-Hartley provides interpretive questions to help guide the reading of participants.

Discussion: What strengths and characteristics do you bring to a group? Consider your experiences, knowledge, abilities, viewpoints, and identities? Please make sure you look at the responses of others. How does this diversity strengthen the learning experiences for people participating in this MOOC? Post in the discussion below.

Diverse Perspectives in STEM (5.2.1) (slides)

Dr. Fata-Hartley provides an overview of the second segment of the Learning Through Diversity module and reviews the learning objectives.

Incorporating Diverse Perspectives (5.2.2) (slides)

This topic is discussed in context of three rationales supported with examples and excellent references.

Strategies for Incorporation (5.2.3) (slides)

Dr. Cori Fata-Hartley provides an overview of how the three interviewees in this module use various strategies to incorporate diverse perspectives in their classrooms to enhance teaching and learning.

Segment 2 Activities (5.2.4) (slides)

Two reading assignments are reviewed and Dr. Fata-Hartley discusses an additional reflection/discussion question for posting on the discussion forum and how participants should be able to meet the module learning objectives.

Discussion: Consider the diverse characteristics of the group listed during the discussion for the first segment of the module. Propose some ways that an instructor might incorporate these diverse perspectives into course content for a course in your discipline. Please post your ideas in the discussion below.

Interview with Georgina Montgomery (5.2.5)

This video is an interview with Dr. Georgina Montgomery discussing learning through diversity in the classroom.

Interview with Oscar Mur-Miranda (5.2.6)

This video is an interview with Dr. Oscar Mur-Miranda discussing learning through diversity in the classroom.

Interview with Julie Plasencia (5.2.7)

Please enjoy this interview with Julie Plasencia discussing learning through diversity in the classroom.

Teaching Practices (5.3.1) (slides)

This is an overview of the third and final segment for this module. Learning objectives are reviewed along with what interviewees will discuss.

Creating Inclusive Environments (5.3.2) (slides)

Dr. Fata-Hartley discusses why instructors must create inclusive learning environments to be able to use pedagogical approaches that leverage diversity. Three specific strategies are reviewed: (a) multiple, learner-centered teaching approaches, (b) using inclusive language (e.g., potential impacts of when people use “instructor speak”), and (c) developing and using inclusive syllabi (e.g., how to use a description of an inclusive learning environment in a syllabus).

Leveraging Diversity (5.3.3) (slides)

Dr. Fata-Hartley provides an introduction to the interviews of Dr. Vashti Sawtelle and Dr. Karl Smith who both discuss pedagogical approaches that leverage diversity.

Segment 3 Activities (5.3.4) (slides)

The summative end of the module assignment is described as well as an accompanying reading assignment. For this assignment, participants are encouraged to develop something that they can “use” in a course they may teach in the future.

Interview with Vashti Sawtelle (5.3.5)

Dr. Sawtelle (Assistant Professor of Physics) discusses what diversity means to her and how she thinks about the role of diversity in the classroom. During this discussion, Dr. Sawtelle, describes research results on the impacts of classroom diversity on student outcomes.

Interview with Karl Smith (5.3.6)

Dr. Smith (Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor, Professor of Civil Engineering, Co-Executive Director STEM Education Center and Cooperative Learning Professor of Engineering Education) discusses the importance or opportunities for cooperative learning (i.e., using various types of groups) to leverage diversity in a college or university classroom and the use of “pedagogies of diversity”. Using pedagogies of diversity students have the opportunity to learn from one another, based on their backgrounds, experiences, etc.