Teaching & Learning Resources
This page is dedicated to providing a variety of teaching and learning resources for FRC faculty and staff, aiming to achieve the goal of ensuring that learning is happening with intentional outcomes. This goal positions faculty and staff as agents of improvement and designers of student-centered learning systems. Studies suggest that by utilizing these practices to assess and enrich student learning, faculty and staff can contribute to educational equity.
Syllabus Development Guidelines
Faculty are encouraged to develop their course syllabi in alignment with the standards established by the Council on Instruction. Additionally, integrating resources that focus on creating student-centered syllabi with an emphasis on accessibility and equity can enhance the learning experience for all students.
Other Resources
Teaching with Transparency
Transparent teaching involves clearly communicating course expectations, objectives, and assessment criteria to students. This approach helps students understand the purpose behind their assignments and how to succeed.
Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT Higher Ed)
AAC&U: Transparent Assignment Design
Equity-Minded Teaching
Equity-minded teaching requires educators to reflect on their practices and intentionally create inclusive learning environments that support all students.
National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA) Equity-Mindedness Resources
CVC-OEI Online Teaching & Course Design Resources
Incorporate Active Learning Strategies
Active learning engages students through participation, discussion, and problem-solving rather than passive listening. These strategies improve retention and deepen understanding.
Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation: Active Learning
Design a Learning-Centered Syllabus
A learning-centered syllabus focuses on student success and clearly communicates expectations, outcomes, and support resources.
Creating a Learning-Centered Syllabus
Designing & Facilitating Effective Teams for Group Work
Effective group work requires clear structure, defined roles, and guidance on collaboration. Well-designed group activities improve engagement and learning outcomes.
Equity Resources for the Classroom
Equity-minded teaching in face-to-face classrooms focuses on creating inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environments where all students can succeed. The resources below offer practical frameworks, teaching strategies, and classroom tools to help faculty strengthen equitable teaching practices.
Core Equity Frameworks
California Community Colleges: DEI in Curriculum – Model Principles and Practices (2022)
This system-wide guide offers practical strategies for integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across disciplines.
California Community Colleges DEI in Curriculum Guide
AAC&U Office of Diversity, Equity, and Student Success
National leadership and research-based resources focused on advancing equity and improving student outcomes in higher education.
AAC&U Equity and Student Success Resources
Peralta Colleges Equity Rubric
A practical tool for evaluating and strengthening equity-minded teaching practices in community college classrooms.
Peralta Colleges Equity Rubric
Classroom Practice and Engagement
Liberating Structures
Simple, adaptable facilitation strategies that increase participation, inclusion, and engagement in face-to-face classroom discussions.
Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation: Active Learning Strategies
Research-based approaches for engaging students through discussion, collaboration, and problem-solving activities.
USC Center for Urban Education: Equity-Minded Teaching Tools
Practical tools and resources to help faculty reflect on and improve equity in their classroom practices.
Supporting Resources
OER Commons
A public digital library of open educational resources that helps reduce cost barriers and expand access to course materials.
Ungrading: A Bibliography
A collection of resources exploring alternative assessment practices that prioritize learning, feedback, and student growth.
Equality vs. Equity – Santa Ana College
A concise overview explaining the difference between equality and equity and its implications for teaching.
Useful Sources
The resources below offer ideas and perspectives for building more inclusive, culturally responsive, and equitable classroom environments. They include articles, books, and multimedia resources that can support reflection on teaching practices and student engagement.
Articles and Online Resources
- Importance of Cultural Awareness for Educators
This article discusses the significance of cultural awareness in education and offers strategies for culturally responsive teaching. - “Inequities and Ethical Dilemmas Beyond the Classroom: Joseph's Story”
This article encourages reflection on positionality, ethics, and culturally relevant pedagogy.
Books for Inclusive and Equitable Teaching
- Inclusive Teaching: Strategies for Promoting Equity in the College Classroom
Kelly A. Hogan and Viji Sathy provide practical strategies for addressing inequities and fostering inclusive classrooms. - Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead)
A collection edited by Susan D. Blum exploring alternative assessment practices focused on learning and feedback. - Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education: Strategies for Teaching
Edited by Rita Kumar and Brenda Refaei, this book offers strategies for promoting equity and inclusion in higher education. - Promoting Inclusive Classroom Dynamics in Higher Education
Kathryn C. Oleson provides guidance on fostering inclusive classroom environments and managing group dynamics. - What Inclusive Instructors Do
This book offers practical insights into inclusive teaching strategies in higher education.
Video and Multimedia
- “Three Ways to Speak English” TED Talk by Jamila Lyiscott
This talk explores code-switching and the relationship between language, identity, and culture.
California Community Colleges Resources
- Vision 2030 – California Community Colleges
Learn about Vision 2030, the systemwide strategic framework focused on improving student success, closing equity gaps, and strengthening career and transfer outcomes across California Community Colleges.
- Guided Pathways – California Community Colleges
Explore the Guided Pathways framework, which provides clear, structured educational roadmaps to help students achieve their academic and career goals efficiently and equitably.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Resources
- CAST UDL Guidelines
The official UDL framework outlining the three core principles: engagement, representation, and action/expression.
- CVC-OEI Universal Design for Learning Guide
A practical guide connecting UDL principles to teaching practices in California Community Colleges.
- UDL On Campus – University of Washington
Examples and strategies for applying UDL principles in higher education classrooms.
- 14 Common Elements of UDL in the College Classroom (PDF)
A practical checklist of classroom strategies aligned with UDL principles.
- Critical Elements of UDL in Instruction (PDF)
Key instructional design elements that support inclusive and accessible learning environments.
Student Learning Resources
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.