TPC Journal Volume 11 Issue 2

The Professional Counselor | Volume 11, Issue 2 239 Equitable Learning Environment Successful implementation of the RAMF requires an equitable learning environment to effectively assist diverse students while also fostering multicultural and social justice competence (see Figure 2). Gorski and Swalwell (2015) purported that multicultural education is grounded in social justice and equity values. Failure to ensure both equity and equality in the classroom poses detrimental implications to student professional growth and overall well-being. For instance, in a qualitative study conducted by Baker et al. (2015), marginalized doctoral students in a CE program expressed feeling excluded from class information and discussions; they also shared concerns about being misjudged because of their racial identities. These findings are consistent with previous research on the experiences of marginalized master’s-level CITs across CE programs (Henfield et al., 2013; Seward, 2014). Figure 2 RAMF Integration Application RCT Adlerian Theory RAMF Component Integrative Application Examples Growth-fostering relationships Social interest Equitable learning environment Creating a safe space for all students to contribute in a way that empowers them; open discussions/exposure to diverse worldviews Mutual empathy and empowerment Social equality and advocacy Active engagement Creating a classroom environment that mutually benefits both students and professor; collaborating on journal article Exploration of power differentials Egalitarian relationships Equitable learning environment Offering an outlet for students to provide anonymous feedback Authenticity in relationships Empowerment and individual choice Individual and relational dynamics Giving yourself permission to be human; cultural humility Consideration of contextual and relational factors Being curious about diverse perspectives; social-cultural view of issues Individual and relational dynamics Awareness of self and other cultural identity membership; role-plays, reflective journaling, classroom dialogue, etc. Using the RAMF, an equitable learning environment is cultivated through embracing classroom norms driven by Adlerian and RCT values. Examples include embracing a genuinely curious attitude, accepting differing worldviews, exhibiting compassion for self and others while navigating conflicts, and modeling authenticity during moments of disconnection (i.e., cultural humility). Additionally,