WK 20 - CANCELLED: Rewriting the Narrative: Addressing Harmful Terminology in Ecology Courses (original) (raw)

Description:
Scientific terminology can perpetuate exclusion, with some terms rooted in harmful historical contexts or unintended associations that can isolate individuals from marginalized groups. This workshop will empower educators—from graduate students to professors—to integrate a module into their courses that explores the importance of inclusive language in ecology. The module guides students through the historical context of a specific ecology term (e.g., colonization, invasive, gendered terms), reasons why the term is considered harmful, and how to identify more inclusive alternatives that enhance scientific accuracy. Through a mix of group discussions and hands-on activities, participants will learn how to implement this module across a variety of courses, from introductory biology to advanced specialty topics. The workshop will cover the module’s out-of-class (homework) component, which focuses on research and reflection, and the in-class component, which emphasizes discussion and application. Through hands-on training, participants will practice adapting the module to their specific course contexts and engage in actionable strategies to enhance inclusivity in their teaching. Attendees will leave with a ready-to-use classroom module, strategies for engaging students in discussions about inclusive language in ecology, and a deeper understanding of how inclusive language can positively shape ecology education.