Creating an inclusive classroom in higher education

Abstract

Creating a safe learning environment as a teacher is important not only for promoting a sense of inclusion among students, but also for fulfilling the learning outcomes. One important aspect to create a safe and inclusive learning environment is the teacher’s behaviour. In addition, the physical room may contribute to the perception whether the learning environment is safe and inclusive, or not. This essay provides a literature review with a focus on inclusion and safe learning environments in higher education. On this basis, we present a selection of insights and practical suggestions, in the form of a teacher’s guide, that can aid the creation of a safe, inclusive classroom environment. Finally, we suggest the use of a questionnaire that aims at assessing whether inclusive classroom practices influenced learning outcomes and the feeling of safety and inclusion.