Paired Dialog on Equity —Six Goals for an Introductory Astronomy Course

Abstract

This paper introduces a process of reading, reflection, and discussion used by two white faculty teaching at predominately white institutions to address challenges to equity in their introductory astronomy courses. The conversations focused on the context of large introductory courses, where individual instructors may lack resources and agency to make large-scale structural changes. Six goals to improve the classroom experience for all students are identified. The paper explores the nature of inequities that students face and, through a process of backwards design, identifies actions that begin to address such issues. The ideas discussed are rooted in ongoing conversations around injustice, antiracism, equity and inclusion and this paper describes a process by which individual instructors can make progress in their own classrooms. We write this paper with the hope that it could serve as a model, and that other faculty of introductory courses might consider embracing similar goals as we strive to make our disciplines more welcoming and inclusive.

Keywords:

• Reflective teaching
• equity
• professional development
• STEM

Declaration of interest statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.