DRIVE: Expanded Curriculum Appraisal Tool & Resources

Ask Yourself: Do I anticipate, appreciate and acknowledge that learners may have a personal experience with the content?  

Probing Question: Might the content be upsetting or offensive to someone with personal experience? 

Example: “As we discuss this topic I recognize that some of you may have personal experience that impacts your comfort, response, and discussions with classmates and others.” 

Ask Yourself: Have I anticipated challenging questions related to the intersection of sex, gender, race, cultural and other biases with my content area? 

Probing Questions: Am I aware of recent scholarship or advocacy addressing these topics?

Example: A learner asks you to explain the reason for race-based differences in frequency of disease.

Ask Yourself: Am I prepared to recognize and address microaggressions that arise in the learning space?

Probing Questions: Do I have a plan for interrupting or responding to verbalized microaggressions that includes supporting the target and resetting the learning environment?

Example: A small group member addresses a peer using the wrong pronouns despite clarification.

Top Resources:

• City of Worcester Multi-Faith Observances Calendar - Released annually, this interactive and downloadable calendar highlights religious holidays from major faith traditions as well as observances related to human rights and equity such as World Braille Day.
• NASPA Research and Policy Institute's Safe Spaces Brave Spaces Guide - This guide defines and differentiates "safe spaces" and "brave spaces" and the historical context behind each of these terms, it further provides guidance on best practices for their use in classroom and on campus.
• University of Chicago Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms - The University of Chicago has created and assembled numerous resources to encourage inclusive pedagogy, including guidance on facilitating difficult conversations, creating inclusive cooperative learning environments and inclusive labs.

Click HERE for more resources.

DRIVE Best Practice: Create a learning environment that welcomes engagement of people from diverse backgrounds and promotes inclusion and representation. 

Ask yourself, “Do I create a learning environment that welcomes feedback related to diversity, inclusion and representation?”  We recommend you place a slide or include a written or oral note at the beginning of each session that shares the following message:

 "My intent is to promote inclusive learning while avoiding bias. I welcome feedback regarding areas for improvement."