What strategies can you use to improve diversity and inclusion in structural engineering education?

3 Incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences in the curriculum

A third strategy to improve diversity and inclusion in structural engineering education is to incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences in the curriculum and the learning activities. This means that the content, the examples, the case studies, the projects, and the assignments should reflect the diversity of the structural engineering field and the society. You can also use interdisciplinary, collaborative, and problem-based learning approaches that can encourage students to work with different disciplines, cultures, and communities, and to apply their structural engineering knowledge and skills to real-world challenges. By incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences in the curriculum, you can enhance the relevance, the engagement, and the learning outcomes of the students.

4 Create a safe and respectful learning environment

A fourth strategy to improve diversity and inclusion in structural engineering education is to create a safe and respectful learning environment where students can feel valued, supported, and empowered. This means that the classroom, the laboratory, the studio, or the online platform should be accessible, welcoming, and inclusive for all students, regardless of their differences. You can also use effective communication, feedback, and conflict resolution skills to establish clear expectations, norms, and rules for the learning environment, and to address any issues or concerns that may arise. You can also foster a sense of community, belonging, and trust among students and faculty by creating opportunities for socialization, interaction, and collaboration.

5 Seek and provide feedback and guidance

A fifth strategy to improve diversity and inclusion in structural engineering education is to seek and provide feedback and guidance that can help students and faculty improve their performance, skills, and attitudes. Feedback and guidance can come from various sources, such as peers, instructors, mentors, advisors, or counselors, and can be formal or informal, individual or group, verbal or written. Feedback and guidance should be constructive, specific, timely, and relevant, and should focus on the strengths, the areas of improvement, and the action plans of the students and faculty. You can also use feedback and guidance to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate the achievements, the contributions, and the diversity of the students and faculty.

6 Engage in continuous learning and improvement

A sixth strategy to improve diversity and inclusion in structural engineering education is to engage in continuous learning and improvement that can help you expand your knowledge, skills, and perspectives in the field. Continuous learning and improvement can involve various activities, such as reading, researching, attending workshops, webinars, or conferences, taking courses, or pursuing certifications, that can expose you to new ideas, trends, technologies, and practices in structural engineering. You can also use continuous learning and improvement to challenge yourself, to explore your interests, to pursue your goals, and to enhance your career opportunities. By engaging in continuous learning and improvement, you can also demonstrate your commitment, your curiosity, and your passion for structural engineering.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?