Classroom Environment Assignment

UNIVERSITY OF

GENIALLY

How Going Gradeless Can Create a More Inclusive Classroom

Create a Sense of Belonging

Overcommunicate Expectations

Ask for Feedback and Give Feedback

Foster a Growth Mindset

Build Interactivity into Assessments

Sources: “Building Community - Centre for Teaching and Learning.” Centre for Teaching and Learning, https://teaching.uwo.ca/teaching/engaging/building-community.html. Accessed 21 February 2024. Dhami, Harleen. “20 Ways Professors Can Make Their Classes More Inclusive.” Top Hat, 4 July 2022, https://tophat.com/blog/classroom-inclusivity/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=social-media. Accessed 21 February 2024.

Building Belonging

"Hogan and Kelly caution faculty to not just focus on diversifying the content of their classes, but also being more representative of different people and ideas. “Focus on making more students feel included in conversations, reading, taking notes and collaborating" (Dhami).

• Numberless grading encourages students to interact frequently with the instructor and with their peers to get feedback and share ideas.
• Often, numberless grading uses a more "Project-Based" approach to assessement that gives students a lof of voice and choice when it comes to how they display their learning!

Students need to know that you are approachable and can be contacted with questions, concerns, or for feedback both inside and outside of class ("Building Community"). It is also important that students have a voice in how a class functions, so asking for frequent feedback about what is working and what could be working better is a great way to make sure everyone feels heard. Numberless grading moves the focus of assessment away from numbers and to learning and feedback so that students can more accurately assess their progress toward their goals.

"When talking with students about their performance in class or on assignments, avoid describing such performance as a sign of natural ability (or lack of ability). Instead, consider working with them to develop two to three strategies they can use in areas where they are struggling. This is a key example of inclusion in the classroom as it encourages all students, regardless of their skill levels and abilities, to reach personal and academic goals" (Dhami).

• Numberless grading provides students with the opportunity to revise assignments that haven't yet met their goals and, by doing so, a growth mindset is fostered!
• Student learning is not placed on a strict timeline in a numberless classroom. Students aren't penalized for late work or things outside of their control. Instead, the focus is on IF they learned, not WHEN they learned it.

"Create opportunities for your students to work together to create something great" ("Building Community").

• Because numberless grading places so much focus on feedback, students are given ample time to collaborate to brainstorm ideas, provide each other with feedback, and problem-solve as a team. This helps build community in the classroom and fosters a feeling of belonging!