Each letter in REAL reflects a core principle that guides our work:
Redesign reflects our commitment to supporting faculty who want to re-examine and revise their teaching in response to major shifts in higher education—such as the transition to online learning, the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, and the urgent need to address equity gaps.
This work is challenging and requires self-reflection, time, and care. We encourage faculty to approach it with compassion for themselves, and to remember: even small, incremental changes can lead to meaningful impact.
Equity reflects our mission to better serve students from historically marginalized groups—those who face barriers based on race, gender, sexual identity, ability, and more.
Research, including our own institutional data, shows that teaching practices significantly shape students’ sense of belonging and success. Our goal is to support excellent teaching that both raises standards and fosters inclusion—helping all students achieve their personal and professional goals.
Although accessibility is a key aspect of equity, we highlight it separately because of the specific strategies and legal requirements involved in supporting students with disabilities.
The literature on accessibility and equity in education is often siloed, but our aim is to bridge the two—drawing from both to help faculty design inclusive, accessible learning experiences for all students.
Lab reflects our belief in collaboration, experimentation, and continuous improvement. We focus on evidence-based strategies, peer learning, and a “try-it-and-see” mindset.
The practices featured here were developed with the support of REAL workshops, peer and student feedback, and instructional design consultations. We encourage faculty engaging with these resources to join the REAL Community of Practice or explore other professional development opportunities on campus to stay connected and grow together.
