Before any meaningful decisions can be made about how to make learning environments and curricula more accessible, it is imperative to understand who your students are.

Considering the diversity of today’s student population can help you create and foster a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. This involves considering some basic demographic and academic factors of your students, and understanding that every student brings with them a unique set of skills and preferences with respect to their learning.

• First Day of Class Activity: The Interest Inventory

Jennifer Garrett and Mary Clement outline the use of an "interest inventory" to collect background on your students that can help you understand their learning preferences and previous knowledge.

• Getting to Know Your Students as Individuals

The Eberly Center at Carnegie Mellon University describes activities to build rapport with students and to learning about their learning preferences and prior educational experiences.