How can you contribute to cherish diversity in teaching@wuea

You can expect an amazing diversity in the student cohort you are working with. Not seldom would there be 20+ different nationalities represented in the classroom, and even more when you consider students’ workplaces.

This diversity can be truly enriching in the classroom, adding a multitude of perspectives; it may also be challenging as work and communication styles, attitudes and values etc. may differ considerable.

You may thus find it helpful to actively address this diversity in your introduction, within classroom discussion, when commenting on student work, creating groups etc.

While students know each other well and the usual introduction rounds are not needed, you may want to think about how to start your course incorporating the different/diverse perspectives and backgrounds in a creative way. Check out our toolbox for different class openings.

WU Vienna has a strong commitment to Diversity & Inclusion in the classroom and beyond, here you find some additional resources to support respectful actions:

• • The Chronicle of Higher Education, How to make your teaching more inclusive
  • University of Michigan, Inclusive Teaching Strategies
  • Vanderbilt University Center of Teaching, Increasing inclusivity in the classroom

If you have something you want to share with us or best practices that work well, we truly do appreciate your insights – please let us know here!