Session

The physical, emotional and social safety of learners require a supportive classroom environment that is free of discrimination and any form of oppression. In planning for your programs and classes from an anti-racist perspective, it is important to prioritize how to create opportunities where learners feel welcome, participate actively in their own learning, build trusting and equitable relationships, and explore the lived experiences of other learners. This session is based on newly developed tools in the NorQuest College Anti-Racism Curriculum and Pedagogy Toolkit – designed to help educators and practitioners embed equity perspectives in growing, developing and supporting diverse leaner talent across various program areas. In our presentation and the discussion that ensues, we will explore strategies to create an anti-racist safe and supportive classroom environment where domestic and international students from diverse ethnocultural backgrounds feel valued, represented, comfortable and empowered to be themselves and achieve their highest potential. We will address strategies that are relevant to both experienced and new instructors who navigate the challenges of creating and sustaining inclusive experiences for learners and staff.

Our presentation advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of enhancing learners’ health and well-being(SDG3), promoting quality/equitable education (SD4), advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment (SDG 5), reducing inequality (SDG 10); and promoting student safety as well as peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16). Participants in this session will engage deeply on best practices for advancing inclusivity in post-secondary learning and teaching contexts and will gain practical tools and insights to boost their practice.