Presenter: Melinda Luis, M.S., RDN, LDN, Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Today’s college students are on a journey to grow knowledge, skills, and competence in the profession of their dreams. The landscape of the learning environment requires faculty to adjust their teaching styles as students respond to changes in societal norms. Creating a curriculum to meet the needs of multiple learning styles and a diverse student population must include various teaching methods. In addition to developing new teaching methods, it is essential to consider the growing cultural profile of our nation. As future professionals serving diverse populations, students benefit from a robust curriculum that exposes them to various populations and promotes cultural competence. Many strategies enhance learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Active learning is an instructional method that engages students with the curriculum through discussions, classroom activities, problem-solving, and other methods. Creating activities and discussions around diversity can foster an inclusive classroom environment while providing opportunities for students to relate to real-life problems. Encouraging students to work together to provide feedback to faculty regarding course content can promote a sense of belonging. The proposed presentation addresses how faculty can engage students using active learning methods in physical and virtual classrooms. Faculty can benefit from packing a bag of ideas, activities, and creative strategies that include topics, terminology, and principles of diversity in their course content. How faculty might consider inclusivity when creating course assessments and activities will be discussed. Attendees will engage with learning content and activities exemplifying diversity, inclusion, and belonging principles.
