The research was published in the journal Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology.
Sabrina Thurman, associate professor in the Psychology Department, recently published a peer-reviewed research article on supporting students through respectful teaching practices.
Scholars have frequently compared classifications of parenting styles used in developmental psychology with teaching styles in various educational settings. Thurman’s article focuses on applying one modern parenting style called “respectful caregiving” to teaching approaches centered on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education contexts. She explores four major principles from respectful caregiving in relation to teaching college students: (1) showing respect for students, (2) embracing student’s uniqueness, (3) exhibiting empathy for student’s emotional experiences and (4) emphasizing equality with students.
Thurman first explains each principle in the context of respectful caregiving then applies them to teaching in university contexts. She provides practical teaching examples of each principle while making connections with the existing literature on adult education and culturally responsive, inclusive teaching practices. Respectful teaching principles highlighted in the article can be used to support and empower diverse learners in gaining confidence, knowledge, and practical skills to enact meaningful and relevant social change.
Read the full article to learn more.
Thurman has published research on using respectful and inclusive practices in mentoring first-generation college students, and has contributed blog posts to the Center for Engaged Learning on supporting students’ success, including the importance of strengths-based frameworks and equalizing status between mentees and mentors.