Engaging Pedagogy: Conversations about the 21st-Century Classroom Conversation - 1

What should really matter? Intersections of diversity, representation, identity and academic freedom

In the 21st century classroom, more and more educators are called upon to teach to transgress - to push against the boundaries, to challenge racism, sexism, classism and all forms of oppression in the world to support others and themselves to achieve freedom to live fully in the world. This discussion series focuses on creating learning spaces that enable students and faculty alike to develop our capacity to think critically about ourselves and our lives within our disciplinary foci and beyond.

The first in the series, this conversation centers on teaching diverse 21st-century learners and controversial topics in this context. We will address challenges experienced in classrooms (in-person or online) with diverse learners using the suggested readings as jumping points. We will grapple with what diversity and inclusion in the classroom mean. Should identify matter when teaching controversial topics? What do we do when representation is not possible? How can educators authentically support diversity?

Facilitator: Dr. Charles Anyinam, Assistant Professor, Schulich Teaching Chair in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion