Collaborative Processes to Establish a Faculty Development Course Promoting Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Learning Environments

In 2018 a group of faculty and academic leaders convened to outline a faculty development initiative focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the nursing classroom. The course, CUL110: Creating a Culturally Inclusive Learning Environment was developed through the collaboration of subject matter experts, instructional designers, and faculty development experts using backward design and grounded in Camphina-Bacote’s Process of Cultural Competemility in the Delivery of Healthcare Services.

The resulting course is organized in three domains: Classroom Management, Teaching Strategies, and Assessment/Evaluation. Concepts are presented using a variety of innovative instructional methods including the Describe, Interpret, Evaluate, and Plan (DIEP) reflective process, branching scenarios, and interactive case analyses. Participants have an opportunity to challenge perceptions and gather insights regarding influences on their teaching practices for a diverse student population.

Participants explore the social and psychological processes in identifying and creating a culturally inclusive learning environment through compassionate, evidence-based, holistic support that demonstrates care and success for students in the academic program. In this presentation, we will discuss our blueprint for a faculty development program that challenges faculty assumptions, confronts implicit bias, classroom microaggressions, and grading practices using interactive pedagogical strategies to ensure a positive student experience.

Myrna Cano-Wolfbrandt
EdD, MAED
Senior Instructional Designer
Chamberlain University

Biography

Myrna E. Cano-Wolfbrandt began her career in education as an elementary teacher and special education provider. She moved on to curriculum development and then instructional design in higher education where she managed an instructional design team and several programs. Her background includes at least 10 years of instructional design/curriculum development experience in addition to 5 years of supervisory experience and providing project management leadership in a national online university. She also evaluated education programs for the Arizona Department of Education.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Texas-El Paso, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University with a specialty in intergroup dialogue and diversity/inclusion initiatives. She is currently a Senior Instructional Designer with the Center for Faculty Excellence and Quality Improvement with Chamberlain University in preparing faculty to educate, empower, and embolden diverse healthcare professionals who advance the health of people, families, communities, and nations.

Phone: 480-773-2366
Email: mwolfbrant@chamberlain.edu

Co-Author(s):
Sally Carlisle DNP, MSN, RN, CNE
Janelle Sokolowich PhD, MSN, RN