Module 4: The Next Step
Deeper Dive
Optional Texts: aligned content
Hammond, Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain: Part 3
The third section of the Hammond text, “Building Intellective Capacity,” returns to neuroscience research on how learning occurs. Hammond offers four macro-level instructional strategies: Ignite, Chunk, Chew, and Review.
Hogan and Sathy, Inclusive Teaching Strategies: Chapter 6 (Inclusive Practices Outside the Classroom)
All too often, educators focus exclusively on what happens inside the classroom without considering ways that we can promote inclusive learning environments before our students ever begin our classes. Chapter 6’s emphasis on “Inclusive Practices Outside the Classroom” provides a great perspective on how we can convey the kind of welcome and support that is so crucial when creating those relationships that help students learn more effectively.
Readings
Asao Inoue, Labor-Based Grading Contracts: Building Equity and Inclusion in the Compassionate Writing Classroom
From the publisher’s description: “Drawing on antiracist teaching practices, [Inoue] argues that labor-based grading contracts offer a compassionate approach that is strongly grounded in social justice work….The heart of the book details the theoretical and practical ways labor-based grading contracts can be used and assessed for effectiveness in classrooms and programs. Inoue concludes his exploration of labor-based grading by moving outside the classroom, considering how assessing writing in the socially just ways he offers in the book may provide a way to address the violence and discord seen in the world today.”
Frank Harris III and J. Luke Wood, How to Respond to Racial Microaggressions When They Occur
Harris and Wood, whose research informed the creation of our Equity Rubric, provide a mnemonic for handling microaggressions in the moment: R.A.V.E.N. The article breaks down the steps in this practice.
- Redirect the Interaction
- Ask probing questions
- Values clarification
- Emphasize your own thoughts and feelings
- Next steps
Jesse Stommel, Ungrading: An Introduction
Stommel, who has become a leading advocate in critical digital pedagogy, breaks down the concept of “ungrading.” Spoiler: it’s not just letting students give themselves an A!
Youki Terada, Why the 100-Point Grading Scale Is a Stacked Deck
Terada traces the history of the 100-point grading scale, challenging commonly-held misconceptions about the value of grades for learning along the way.
Cathleen Beachboard and Erika Kersey, Getting Started With Standards-Based Grading
From the article: “Research studies…show that using standards-based grading helps ensure that grading and reporting is more meaningful, accurate, and fair. Additionally, [standards-based grading] ensures that homework, behavior, attendance, notebooks, and group work are not factored into a student’s grade. Standards-based grading allows students to be graded solely on mastery of course content, which can improv