Education
How to apply the FSW Code of Conduct in your teaching
Recently, both teachers and students have been informed about our FSW Code of Conduct. This code sets out our rules for a respectful, safe and inclusive learning environment. But how do you, as a teacher, apply the Code of Conduct in your teaching?
Deep listening, slow talking
Drawing students’ attention to the FSW Code of Conduct – preferably before a lesson begins – is a first step. However, teachers must also be equipped to make sure that everyone adheres to it. This second step can be challenging when dealing with topics that relate to personal values, beliefs and/or identities. A diverse population is not, by its very nature, automatically inclusive. This requires all those involved to demonstrate reflection, resilience, ‘deep listening’ - seeking to understand the other person before presenting counter-arguments - and ‘slow talking’, which brings calm to debates to prevent heightened emotions from escalating.
Clarity and guidance
A code of conduct provides clarity on the basic standards of behaviour that everyone must adhere to, at a time when academic discourse must be able to continue to take place in a safe environment. It also offers guidance on how to intervene when necessary.
Learn more
You can find more information about inclusive education and the code of conduct on the Teacher Platform FSW. The university also offers workshops to help you learn how to deal with difficult interactions between students during lectures or seminars. These workshops focus on de-escalation and restoring a sense of social safety.
Contact
Do you need support? Please send an email to inclusiveteaching@fsw.leidenuniv.nl or to ravesloo@fsw.leidenuniv.nl. We will get back to you within a week.