Language Matters! Turning Binary Traditions to An Inclusive Spectrum

About the Presenter(s)

Dr. Lis Regula, Lecturer, Biology

Dr. Yvonne Sun, Associate Professor, Biology

Location

Kennedy Union Room 222

Start Date

4-1-2023 1:10 PM

End Date

4-1-2023 2:00 PM

Abstract/Description

To prepare our students to become servant leaders to meet the complex demands of the world, we need to help them develop their language skills. However, most of us were educated with a binary language where key contributors to our fields are credited as "fathers" or offsprings are either "daughters" or "sons." "Men" and "women" are often the only two options used in our teaching materials. In this session, Dr. Lis Regula and Dr. Yvonne Sun will lead a hands-on workshop where participants will bring their own passages or be provided with passages that contain these binary traditions and then discuss how inclusive language may be used. In this process, participants will apply and further develop their inclusive language skills and help create teaching materials that benefit the learning partnership. Presenters will also provide forms for audit by the group to use as a springboard for discussion. The focus will not be a rules-based approach, but instead a conversation around how critical thinking can lead to more inclusive and clear communication that improves education for our whole community. We will go back to basics about THINKing (“Is it True, Helpful, Important, Necessary, and Kind?”) and build a more equitable educational community for today and tomorrow.

Goals for Attendees

Collectively explore options of inclusive language in teaching and learning materials

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Jan 4th, 1:10 PM Jan 4th, 2:00 PM

Language Matters! Turning Binary Traditions to An Inclusive Spectrum

Kennedy Union Room 222

To prepare our students to become servant leaders to meet the complex demands of the world, we need to help them develop their language skills. However, most of us were educated with a binary language where key contributors to our fields are credited as "fathers" or offsprings are either "daughters" or "sons." "Men" and "women" are often the only two options used in our teaching materials. In this session, Dr. Lis Regula and Dr. Yvonne Sun will lead a hands-on workshop where participants will bring their own passages or be provided with passages that contain these binary traditions and then discuss how inclusive language may be used. In this process, participants will apply and further develop their inclusive language skills and help create teaching materials that benefit the learning partnership. Presenters will also provide forms for audit by the group to use as a springboard for discussion. The focus will not be a rules-based approach, but instead a conversation around how critical thinking can lead to more inclusive and clear communication that improves education for our whole community. We will go back to basics about THINKing (“Is it True, Helpful, Important, Necessary, and Kind?”) and build a more equitable educational community for today and tomorrow.