Optimising diversity through inclusive teaching practices
Diversity in the student and staff population is a strength of the University community. The myriad backgrounds and experiences of our students make for engaging learning environments.
The University has a number of institutional level plans to address structural and cultural barriers to diversity and inclusion which include the need for inclusive teaching practice. Designing and delivering learning that demonstrates respect for diversity not only enables all students to demonstrate their academic potential, but is a requirement under the legislation (Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth); Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA)).
Delivering inclusive learning benefits the whole student cohort, and if considered at the planning stage, is not usually time-consuming or costly. Making adjustments to a course which has not considered inclusive learning is often much more difficult for educators, may impact on students learning (whilst they are waiting on retrospective fixes), and is much more costly to the University.
Applying universal design for learning (UDL) principles to curriculum design and delivery can lead to more inclusive learning experiences and often lessens the need to make accommodations at an individual level. UDL is a framework for designing learning activities and assessments that account for learner diversity based on the science of how we learn.
An e-learning program, Universal Design for Learning in Tertiary Education, has been developed by the National Disability Coordination Officer Program and the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training. This free, self-paced program covers UDL principles and how to apply them in your teaching practice. It takes approximately 90-120 minutes and one key take away is that you can start with one change at a time rather than making major changes all at once.
If you are interested in discussing inclusive teaching practice, you may also want to consider joining the Diversity and Inclusion in Teaching Community of Practice. This is an interest group which collaborates and exchanges ideas for continuous improvement in this area and their focus for 2022 is UDL in practice.
Disability Support have developed a range of resources for staff available on their website. In addition, Disability Support staff may also be available to help academic and professional staff in understanding the practical implications of the guiding legislation and university policies.
Story by Melanie Brown, Manager Teaching Excellence