Teaching in Globally Diverse Classes Program

The Teaching in Globally Diverse Classes (TiGDC) program develops and deepens knowledge, confidence, and skills to effectively engage all students and fully realize the learning potential of our globally diverse classrooms. 

Participants will experience inclusive frameworks, activities, and strategies and may earn a micro-credential that certifies their ability to integrate these practices into their teaching. The program engages participants with colleagues from diverse disciplines, institutions, and countries, expanding professional networks and leading to support, collaboration, and personal fulfillment well beyond the confines of the program. We want you to join us!

“If you're interested in practical, easy-to-implement, and concrete advice on how to transform your classrooms, pedagogy, and curriculum into something you're proud of and you know will help produce global-ready students, this certification is a great resource to tap into and take advantage of.” – Spring 2024 participant

About the Program

TiGDC is a self-paced, customizable program* involving synchronous workshops and discussions, asynchronous readings, and applied reflection activities. Enrolled participants have up to one year to participate in our unique workshops and earn a University of Minnesota micro-credential demonstrating their acquired competencies.  

This program is open to both University of Minnesota and non-University of Minnesota faculty, staff, and graduate students who deliver instruction or occupy instruction support roles. We welcome teaching and learning specialists, instructional technologists, program leaders, diversity professionals, and others interested in designing inclusive globally diverse learning environments.

Participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate a greater understanding of the international student experience and the dynamic hopes and expectations of both international and domestic students
• Challenge their own assumptions and biases as they relate to global diversity Important: Bias and bigotry are not synonymous. We all have biases, and our biases evolve with time and experience. It is important to develop self-awareness through ongoing self-reflection.
• Practice asset- and access-based approaches for engaging global diversity
• Facilitate new evidence-based, practical teaching strategies and activities for establishing inclusive learning spaces and promoting cross-national interactions
• Develop habits that support reflective teaching practice

Micro-credential Requirements

Participants who wish to earn a micro-credential must complete the following:

1. Submit an introduction slide to the TiGDC community page
2. Attend TiGDC workshops (12-16 hours depending on elective selections)
   1. All five Core workshops
   2. At least eight Elective workshops
3. Complete workshop reflection sheet (4 hours)
4. Complete self-paced readings (4 hours)
5. Engage in three group discussion sessions (3 hours)
6. Submit a final reflection/application assignment (2 hours)
7. Complete an exit survey (1 hour)

Lead Facilitator

Ann Smith, Ph.D., Program Director for International Student Academic Integration, Office of Curriculum Internationalization, University of Minnesota. For questions, please contact Ann at annsmith@umn.edu.

*The TiGDC program is part of the International Student Academic Integration (ISAI) initiative. ISAI is funded by the International Student Academic Services Fee and offered in partnership between the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance and the Center for Educational Innovation.