Can you introduce yourself a little? What’s a hobby or two you enjoy? Hi! My name is Eric Brinkman, and I prefer they/them pronouns. I know it can be hard or seem strange for people at first, but it’s actually quite simple and grammatically correct! I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, but I haven’t lived… Read more »
Inclusive Teaching
Rejecting the Deficit Model in the Classroom
As instructors, many of us may prioritize the materials and skills that we want students to learn. But studies have shown that too much of a focus on the skills and knowledge that students have yet to develop may perpetuate bias and inequitable learning environments within the classroom (Williams & Toldson, 2020; Garriott, 2020). Specifically,… Read more »
A Streamlined Method for Enhancing Digital Learning
Are you moving your course fully online? Hybridizing? Flipping? Maybe you just want a smoother, more polished look to your current content? In any scenario, it can seem a daunting task to build out or refine digital content. However, a resource you may not have heard of, which could greatly benefit you, is the self-service… Read more »
Celebrating Black History Month In and Out of the Classroom
February 1st kicks off the first day of Black History Month. This historic celebration recognizes the accomplishments of Black people and how their significant efforts contributed to American history. Since 1976, every United States president has designed February as Black History Month with an endorsed theme. This year’s theme is: Black Resistance, which explores how… Read more »
Quick Tip: Nurturing Students in Difficult Times
Recent news headlines have been traumatic for many minoritized communities, particularly Asian populations. The racially-motivated stabbing of the Indiana University student on public transportation and the tragic shooting in California regarding Lunar New Year can be too much to bear. Students may be having a difficult time dealing with these tragedies and it is important… Read more »
Unspoken Expectations and Student Success: Revealing the Hidden Curriculum
What is the hidden curriculum? The “hidden curriculum” or “invisible curriculum” refers to the unstated norms, policies, and expectations that students need to know to succeed in higher education but are often not taught explicitly. Your students might not know how to do things that seem quite rote and standard to someone more experienced, like… Read more »