Cultivating Student Success

Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome.–Arthur Chan

Diversity at Montclair is recognition of the wide range of identities, experiences, and perspectives represented among students at Montclair and in your classes.

Equity is about providing an educational experience that supports the learning of all students in your class.

Inclusion means creating a learning environment where every student—regardless of their viewpoint, background, identity, or experiences—is valued, supported, and empowered to succeed at Montclair and in your class.

Belonging means fostering an environment where every student feels recognized as a valued member of your class, the discipline, and the Montclair community.

Using inclusive teaching strategies and fostering an inclusive classroom climate supports the success of all students and prepares them to thrive beyond the University. Exposure to inclusive learning environments helps students become more open-minded, broadens their understanding of diverse viewpoints and perspectives, and equips them to contribute effectively in a heterogeneous and interconnected world.

Concrete steps to communicate and enact these principles are helpful.

Diversity = Recognizing who is in your class

Get to know the students in the classroom and at Montclair:

• Know your students. Before the semester begins, review your roster and study student profiles. Get a sense of who is in your class. Review summary information about Montclair students more broadly.
  • Struggling with names? Name tents and class seating maps are helpful tools. “What’s In a Name?” explores the value of students perceiving that instructors know their names, even in large classes.
  • Ask students about themselves in a survey. Simple questions like the following are designed to support connection, underscore that you see students as whole people, and elicit concerns that you may be able to address.
    • What is going well for you this semester?
    • What is causing you worry or trouble?
    • Is there anything that I can do, as your instructor, to help with these worries?
    • What or who gives you the strength and encouragement to persevere?
• Develop an introductory assignment that invites students to tell you about themselves. Ask students to complete an early assignment introducing themselves to you, conveying relevant past experiences with learning, and indicating any anxieties or concerns going into the course. Offer light feedback that shows you’ve read their work and understand any concerns.
• Share your own experiences, including challenges as well as triumphs.
• Encourage your students to be introspection and share their educational journeys.

Equity = Creating a learning environment where every student can be successful.

Traditional Instruction      Customized Instruction            UDL Instruction

Image credit:Moore, 2017, Canvas Community Blog, Retrieved from https://community.canvaslms.com/groups/designers/blog/2017/10/16/implementing-universal-design-for-learning-on-canvas. Copyright 2017 by Canvas.

Equity-minded teachers:

• Observe their students closely, noticing and responding when students show signs of disengagement.
• Experiment with different methods of teaching and assessment
• Seek feedback and perspectives from students
• Communicate course requirements early — including resources needed.
• Proactively support students who are struggling.
• Review their curricula for relevance and value to all students, ensuring that:
  • Examples are relevant to all students
  • References and terms are understandable to all students.

Inclusion = Ensuring that all students are respected, integrated, and successful

1. Course content check

• Are there multiple, even opposing perspectives and viewpoints on course topics?
• Do you see viewpoint and identity variety in creators & authors?

2. Pedagogical Approach

• Ask students directly: whose perspective might be missing here?
• Seek out one-to-one interactions with students who are disengaged.
• Provide a variety of methods to demonstrate learning and mastery of course content

Belonging = Fostering an environment where every student feels recognized as a valued member of your class

Foster Belonging

Last Modified: Thursday, April 3, 2025 1:25 pm

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