Teaching and Curriculum Research and Interest Group Enhancing pedagogy and curriculum in rural sociology and beyond
What We’re About
The Teaching and Curriculum Research Interest Group is dedicated to advancing excellence in teaching and curriculum development within the fields of rural sociology and related disciplines. We provide a space for educators and scholars to share innovative pedagogical practices, develop inclusive and effective curricula, and engage in dialogue about the evolving challenges and opportunities of higher education.
Our members are committed to fostering student-centered learning, promoting diversity and equity in the classroom, and strengthening the role of teaching within the discipline. The RIG values collaborative exploration of instructional methods, assessment strategies, and new approaches to curriculum design that reflect the complexities of rural communities and sociological inquiry.
Annual Dues:
Regular Members – $5
Student Members – $0
Get Involved:
Attend our sessions and networking events at the RSS Annual Meeting
Participate in planning discussions or propose new activities
Contact our leadership team to get connected
What We Do and How to Get Involved
The Teaching and Curriculum RIG supports educators at all stages of their careers by promoting excellence in teaching and learning. We:
Host sessions and workshops at the RSS Annual Meeting on topics such as course design, experiential learning, inclusive pedagogy, online instruction, and classroom innovation.
Facilitate the exchange of teaching resources, syllabi, and strategies for engaging students in rural sociological concepts.
Provide opportunities for collaboration among instructors, teaching-focused researchers, and curriculum developers.
Support early-career faculty and graduate students through mentorship and professional development.
To get involved, simply join the RIG through your RSS membership. Participate in our sessions and business meeting at the RSS Annual Meeting, propose teaching-focused papers or panels, and help shape future initiatives aimed at enriching rural sociology education. All who are passionate about teaching and curriculum are welcome.
Leadership:
📰 News and Announcements
📚 Selected Publications and Resources
Explore work from our members and resources on rural sociology:
- Cultivating a Pedagogy of Care: Adaptations to Writing Instruction and Course Structure During the Evolving Pandemic and Beyond
- Structuring group work to provide a more positive student learning experience
- Resource allocation concerns: Matching teaching and research needs with financial management at university farms
- Speed presenting: An alternative approach to student presentations
- Possibilities for Rural Queer Liberation: Toward a Queer Rural Place-Based Pedagogy
- Critical Rural Theory: A Decade of Influence on Rural Education Research
- Critical Rural Pedagogy: Connecting College Students with American Literature
- Strengthening teaching in “rural,” Indigenous-serving schools: Lessons from the Diné Institute for Navajo Nation Educators
- “What Do You Need a Course Like That for?” Conceptualizing Diverse Ruralities in Rural Teacher Education
- Pedagogy of the Rural as a Lens for Understanding Beginning Teachers’ Identity and Positionings in Rural Schools
- Rural Students’ Social Capital in the College Search and Application Process
- The Role of Social Capital in Educational Aspirations of Rural Youth