Academic Impressions: Cultivating an Inclusive Classroom Environment

Topic: Inclusive Teamwork Strategies

Course: HROB 154: Strategic Human Resources Management

Reflection on Instructional Change:

For my course, HROB 154: Strategic Human Resources Management, I decided to implement inclusive strategies, as described in Session 3 of the Academic Impressions program, to facilitate effective teamwork on the final project of the course. This course is the capstone course in the human resources management and organizational behavior concentration of the undergraduate business program. I supported students in team formation based on interests and strengths, and thus asked teams to specify team roles (e.g., time-keeper, documenter, discussion moderator, researcher) that fit with students’ interests and strengths. Each team created team contracts which, for example, determined how to communicate during the collaboration period and how to address conflict. Students created role huddles, where they got together based on their various roles in the different teams, to share resources, best practices of collaborating with team members, first successes of each team, and challenges faced by each team. Therefore, we collaboratively analyzed and proposed strategies for effective teamwork.

I chose this project because, for most HROB students, this course is the last opportunity to form meaningful connections with other (emerging) HROB professionals before they graduate. Hence, I wanted to support this process and students’ collaboration by implementing strategies that create a more inclusive learning environment. This approach created peer-reciprocity where all team members appreciate each other and everyone can showcase their contributions and strengths.

Reflection on Impact of Instructional Change:

Throughout the semester, I have observed that I had almost full attendance of students in each class session, especially in the class sessions that were dedicated to in-class team collaboration. When I checked in with students during these sessions, I observed a very friendly and collaborative environment within each team. Students appeared to be very confident about their work and planned steps to complete the project. Indeed, the pre-submissions of the project that I requested from students (i.e., reflections and progress reports), demonstrated that each team was well on track to accomplish the project goals. Each team member had their role and made meaningful contributions to the team.

Learn more about the impact of my project:

SEE SLIDE DECK HERE

**Faculty Bio**
	Dr. Franziska M. Renz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management and Organizations, College of Business. She is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional. Her teaching and research focus on human resource management and organizational behavior.

This work was supported by:
	Grant funding from Academic Affairs & the Office of Inclusive Excellence *Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sacramento State.