CRSE: a framework that values students' cultural and racial identities and lived experiences, leverages underrepresented voices, and empowers learners to be catalysts for change.
Unpacking the 4 Principles of the CRSE Framework:
1. Welcoming and Affirming Environment: Affirming Cultural Identities
Learn from and with students about their cultural identities and represent this in your course for students to feel a sense of belonging
Course Syllabus with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Commitment Sample Statement: As a class, we are committed to cultivating a learning community and space for belonging to share and exchange learning. We celebrate diverse identities, perspectives, and voices and everyone is invited to contribute and co-create learning together.
Cultural Identities: race, color, ethnicity, culture, national origin, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, religion, spirituality, marital status, veteran status, physical abilities, learning abilities, learning styles, etc.
Resource: DEIB Commitment Statement Guide from Harvard University
2. High Expectations & Rigorous Instruction: Developing Academic Success
Foster a growth mindset in your students by encouraging them to set goals, take academic risks and make mistakes, and engage in student leadership
Self-Assessments: Create an assignment for students to self-reflect upon their learning goals for your course or a project as way to see progress
- Resource: CRSE Puts Rigor at the Center by Z. Hammond
3. Inclusive Curriculum & Assessment: Integrating Diverse Perspectives
Co-create curriculum with students to represent their identities, interests, and learning styles and evaluate learning through different forms of assessment
Project Based Learning (PBL): Present an issue or challenge and have students creatively problem solve and share their thought process
Resource: Alternatives to Exams - Harvard DCE Dept. of Teaching & Learning
4. Ongoing Professional Learning & Support: Evolving Teaching & Learning
Engage in job-embedded professional learning, a community of practice, trainings, and critically reflect upon and align your practice to current trends
Reflecting Upon Your Identities: Examine how your identity influences your views and biases and challenge inequitable systems of access, power, privilege, and oppression. This develops cultural humility and critical consciousness.
Resource: 5 Essential Strategies to Embrace CRSE from Faculty Focus