our pedagogy: The Seven Principles

1. Teaching all Students

Students learn in different ways, so we need to teach different ways.  Some students are visually-oriented; others learn aurally or through physical activity.  By using several different approaches to the same material, information becomes more interesting and tangible to a greater number of students.

2. Exploring Multiple Identities 

Students and educators have diverse identities. Exploring our multiple identities means that we understand that we have similarities and differences. It also means learning that difference is a state of being, not something that should evoke fear or mistrust or hatred.

All of us are influenced by ideas and images we see everyday, many of which reflect stereotypes and generalizations.  Prevent preconceived stereotypes from escalating into prejudice and bias by confronting them head-on, unpacking them and creating awareness.

3. Preventing Prejudice 

All of us are influenced by ideas and images we see everyday, many of which are stereotypes and generalizations.  Prevent preconceived stereotypes from escalating into prejudice and bias by confronting them head-on, unpacking them and creating awareness. 

4. Promoting Social Justice

Students often have well-developed senses of justice—and injustice.  Talk to them about issues of social justice and injustice in terms of fair versus unfair, respectful versus disrespectful.

5. Choosing Appropriate Materials

Books can be guides for behavior and ideas, but they also have the potential to perpetuate both negative and positive stereotypes.  Read over all materials and decide whether they promote an appropriate image of diverse people and themes reflecting positive, negative and neutral views.     

6. Teaching and Learning about Cultures and Religions

It’s critical that students learn about others in a positive and comfortable manner.  This includes learning about their peers as well as other cultures.

7. Adapting and Integrating Lessons Appropriately 

 Often pre-designed lessons are a good starting point for teaching a concept, dialogues, or critical thinking, but some of the most teachable moments are unplanned and unscripted.   It is also helpful to be mindful of who is in your classroom, so that the lessons can be more culturally relevant.

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