Using the Learning Sciences
to Enhance Student Agency through
Inclusive Pedagogy
Peter E. Doolittle
Assistant Provost of Teaching and Learning
Executive Director, Center for Instructional Development and Educational Research
Professor, Educational Psychology, Department of Learning Sciences & Technology
Virginia Tech • Blacksburg • Virginia
Anticipation Guide
Directions: Please read the following statements and
decide if you agree, disagree, or would like to modify
each one. Be prepared to discuss why you selected
your answers.
1. Inclusive pedagogy involves learning and thinking
about critical issues (e.g., race, class).
2. Inclusive pedagogy, feminist pedagogy, and critical
pedagogy are pretty much the same thing.
3. Good teaching is good teaching.
Overview
Introduction
Inclusive Pedagogy
Agency
Inclusive Pedagogy Strategies
Closure
Making Informed Decisions 
Importance of Making Informed Decisions
This video is located at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlNcRV8io9A
Learning First
Words 
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NABPOLWISRECGUFQUM
PATSINBOYDENHUGWAS
1
2
3
Cognitively
Behaviorally
Processing
Engagement
What
we process
Active Learning
weOn,
learn.
Hands
Minds On
Affectively
Socially
Inclusive Pedagogy in Perspective
Traditional
Pedagogy
Active
Pedagogy
Inclusive
Pedagogy
content-centered learning-centered learner-centered
content-focused processing-focused equity-focused
Feminist
Pedagogy
Critical
Pedagogy
social-centered
power-focused
social-centered
identity-focused
Traditional
Pedagogy
Active
Pedagogy
Inclusive
Pedagogy
content-centered learning-centered learner-centered
content-focused processing-focused equity-focused
Feminist
Pedagogy
Critical
Pedagogy
social-centered
power-focused
social-centered
identity-focused
[Inclusive pedagogy] requires an [approach]… that involves
the development of a rich learning community characterized
by learning opportunities that are sufficiently made available
for everyone, so that all learners are able to participate in
classroom life (Florian & Linklater, 2009).
-- Florian & Black-Hawkins, 2011
self-regulated learning
self-determination theory
Traditional
Pedagogy
Active
Pedagogy
consciousness of freedom
transformation
Inclusive
Pedagogy
content-centered learning-centered learner-centered
content-focused processing-focused equity-focused
Feminist
Pedagogy
Critical
Pedagogy
social-centered
power-focused
social-centered
identity-focused
[Agency] is to influence intentionally one’s functioning and
life circumstances (Bandura, 2008c, p. 16).
Traditional
Pedagogy
Active
Pedagogy
Inclusive
Pedagogy
content-centered learning-centered learner-centered
content-focused processing-focused equity-focused
Feminist
Pedagogy
Critical
Pedagogy
social-centered
power-focused
social-centered
identity-focused
Content  Pedagogy  Climate  Assessment  Power
Inclusive Pedagogy
Strategies
1. Teach all students
7 Strategies
1. Breakdown small social
barriers from minute 1
7 Principles
 teach three ways
2. Create a respectful climate
with interactivity guidelines
2. Explore multiple identities
 honor personal perspectives
3. Use individual, small group,
and large group strategies
3. Prevent prejudice
 identify prejudicial behaviors
4. Give all students opportunities
to express themselves (voice)
4. Promote social justice
 explore power dynamics
5. Listen actively to all students,
both voice & body language
5. Choose appropriate materials
 use primary sources
6. Value multiple perspectives
on all topics and experiences
6. Teach/learn about cultures
 positive ways ask questions
7. Use mid-semester formative
evaluations (or daily!)
7. Adapt lessons appropriately
 who is in the room?
http://www.cte.cornell.edu/teaching-ideas/
https://tanenbaum.org/programs/education/tanenbaums-pedagogy/
7 Strategies
7 Principles
1. Breakdown small social
barriers from minute 1
1. Teach all students
 teach three ways
2. Create a respectful climate
with interactivity guidelines
2. Explore multiple identities
 honor personal perspectives
3. Use individual, small group,
and large group strategies
3. Prevent prejudice
 identify prejudicial behaviors
Cognitively
Behaviorally
4. Give all students opportunities
Promote social justice
What we 4.process
 explore power dynamics
to express themselves (voice)
we learn.
5. Listen actively to all students,
both voice & body language
5. Choose appropriate materials
 use primary sources
6. Value multiple perspectives
on all topics and experiences
6. Teach/learn about cultures
 positive ways ask questions
Affectively
7. Use mid-semester
formative
evaluations (or daily!)
7. AdaptSocially
lessons appropriately
 who is in the room?
Importance of Making Informed Decisions
This video is located at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJl6PnGj-BY
Using the Learning Sciences
to Enhance Student Agency through
Inclusive Pedagogy
Peter E. Doolittle
Assistant Provost of Teaching and Learning
Executive Director, Center for Instructional Development and Educational Research
Professor, Educational Psychology, Department of Learning Sciences & Technology
Virginia Tech • Blacksburg • Virginia