As part of our Reimagine Higher Education vision, integrating anti-racist pedagogy and curriculum review practices in our academic portfolio is an institutional priority. Our aim is to institutionalize anti-racist practices in the way we conceive, develop, implement and review programs and curricula at NorQuest College. Below you will find the principles guiding this work.
Systemic approach to Anti-racist pedagogy and curriculum
Just as racism operates systemically to create and perpetuate harm and injustice, anti-racism pedagogy works through interconnected and interdependent systems that include policies, practices and power throughout the institution.
This systems’ understanding will guide our thinking and the operational and strategic actions we take to address racism and advance anti-racism in curricula, programs and pedagogy at NorQuest College. A systemic approach is also based on the theoretical and philosophical standpoint (of scholars like Angela Davis and Ibram Kendi) that everyone should go beyond claims of ‘not being racist’ to the practice of ‘being anti-racist’ if the goal is to make a real and impactful difference.
Collective responsibility and accountability
Responsibility and accountability for this work will be shared by all participants in the curriculum development, review and implementation process because everyone has a vital role to play. This includes what instructors and other curriculum stakeholders do in the various stages and how they integrate anti-racism perspectives in the development and delivery of program outcomes and general learning outcomes during curriculum development, review and renewal.
Student-centred and authentic representation
The increasingly multi-ethnic and diverse nature of our classrooms and students will be carefully considered in all stages of our curriculum cycle – from design to delivery and review of curriculum.
Doing this will ensure that all students, including the underrepresented groups, see themselves in the curriculum and benefit from safe, inclusive and inspiring learning experiences without being tokenized.
Evidence-based approach
The anti-racism strategies adopted for curriculum development, implementation and review will be based on feedback and data obtained through sound research-based practices, including secondary research evidence, desk top research, and environmental scans, amongst others. Feedback received from instructors who use the Anti-Racism Curriculum and Pedagogy Toolkit, students (and alumni), and reports from anti-racism experts who review our programs and curricula will help us enhance the quality and alignment of pedagogy and course content with anti-racism values.
Relevant evidence and feedback collected from several sources will support the prioritization of program and/or curriculum design, development and implementation decisions that best serve our diverse students’ needs.
Ongoing learning and development process
Anti-racist pedagogy and curriculum review will be an ongoing process in which we continually unlearn, learn, adapt and respond to the current and historical needs and challenges faced by students and instructors at the college while integrating the best practices that result in equitable outcomes for all stakeholders.
Collaboration and cooperation
Our efforts at embedding anti-racist perspectives and approaches in program and curricula are anchored on a system of collaboration and cooperation between relevant stakeholders within and across departments and program areas whose input and contribution will be sought, valued and applied as needed.
Critical dialogue
Spaces for critical discussion and dialogue will be encouraged and facilitated within and across faculties to enhance the exchange of information, lessons learned and promising or emerging best practices among instructors.
Advancing culturally responsive pedagogy
Culturally relevant or responsive pedagogy is Antiracist pedagogy. Our work towards becoming an anti-racist organization will be supported by fostering a culturally responsive teaching approach which values, recognizes, and integrates the knowledge, experience, backgrounds and frames of reference that learners bring into the course content and other key aspects of the teaching and learning process.
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How to use this toolkit effectively
The Review Tool provides practical step-by-step guidance on how to apply the resources in the Anti-Racism Curriculum and Pedagogy Toolkit to examine and improve your understanding, course content and practice in line with anti-racism principles and philosophy.
Maximize your application of the Toolkit by exploring this Review Tool
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Tools for anti-racism curriculum & pedagogy
The toolkit contains 13 tools along with other relevant resources and information. These items equip users with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and integrate anti-racism into their thinking, actions, reflections and professional practice.
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About this Toolkit
The Anti-racism Curriculum and Pedagogy Toolkit supports the process of embedding an anti-racist and inclusive approach in program, curriculum, teaching and workplace practices. It facilitates individual and institutional culture transformation from “I am not a racist” to “I am anti-racist".