Introducing the Journal of Chemical Education’s Special Issue on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect in Chemistry Education Research and Practice

Abstract

Chemistry scholars and educators are intentionally creating inclusive curriculum and equitable learning opportunities in response to the inequities in society exposed by the challenges of discrimination and the pandemic over the past few years. This special issue shines a light on discipline-based education research (DBER) in chemistry that addresses diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR) in classrooms, on campuses, and in the broader chemical discipline. The diversity of manuscripts in this special issue can help chemistry educators and researchers gain insights into including diverse perspectives and providing equitable access to learning for students. Notably, the rich scholarship has the potential to catalyze further crucial research in DEIR challenges in chemistry education.

Remote Supergroup for Chemistry Undergraduates: An Inclusive Scientific Community for Primarily Undergraduate Institutions

“…For future iterations, we will continue to invite other DEI specialists to present seminars as there is a need to continue these important discussions more broadly. The summer supergroup meetings represent one of many ongoing efforts to improve the culture of the field, − and together, these initiatives present a hopeful outlook for future generations of scientists.…”

A Paradigm of Practicable Equity and Inclusion: Heeding the Call to Shift Both Mindsets and Methods

“…In this way we build connections that change personal paradigms and therefore change global practices. Positive evidence of this change includes the number of papers in this Journal focused on educational approaches designed for students with disabilities, several of which appear in the recent Special Issue on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect in Chemistry Education Research and Practice …”

Triangular bipyramid metaphor (TBM), an imagetic representation for the awareness of inclusion in chemical education (ICE)

“…Given the urgent needs we face regarding Inclusion in Chemical Education (ICE), it is ever more evident that teachers worldwide need new perspectives to provide solutions for a more accessible, critical, and assistive education process. While there are many modern publications on the comprehensive approaches to ICE -such as the special issue of the Journal of Chemical Education for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect in Chemistry Education Research and Practice 1 we have the opportunity to recognize the previous shortcomings in science education and to provide new resources for ICE.…”