Inclusive Pedagogy
Room 605, Level 6, FBE Building, 111 Barry Street, Parkville
More Information
"Inclusive Pedagogy"
Enrolment trends suggest student diversity will continue to rise. Diversity is not always visible in our classrooms and as such, it is increasingly important for our academics to be aware of the diverse needs among our students to create an inclusive learning environment. This workshop offers participants the opportunity to increase self-awareness and strengthen their commitment to inclusive learning and teaching. We will consider frameworks, such as Universal Design (UD) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), as a means of fostering a sense of community among students. Participants will be encouraged to apply these ideas to their teaching strategies and learning materials as they build a toolbox of inclusive teaching strategies.
Learning Outcomes:
Participants attending this workshop will:
- Discuss why academics should embed inclusive practices into their teaching;
- Discuss how academics may foster a climate of ‘belonging’ within their classes;
- Identify opportunities to incorporate learning experiences which represent various viewpoints (age, belief systems, cultural identities, ethnicity, gender, neuro-divergency, socio-economic, sexuality);
- Consider how UD and UDL principles can make teaching more inclusive; and
- Begin developing a toolbox of inclusive teaching strategies using both UoM and external resources
Facilitators
Miriam Edwards is an Educational Designer at the Williams Centre for Learning Advancement. She is also a doctoral candidate at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. Miriam has extensive experience in higher education which includes teaching, curriculum renewal and subject design. Her research interests are in designing online courses which are both innovative and accessible to students with diverse needs.
Associate Professor Melissa Laird is Deputy Head of School, at the Melbourne School of Professional and Continuing Education (MSPACE), and Academic Director Curriculum and Transformation. Working in senior academic leadership roles, Melissa has enacted change for learners through future-focused and immersive, connected-enterprise learning and curriculum design that positively influences individual wealth and well-being through access to the creative and performing arts and design. She supports reconciliation as Co-Chair non-Indigenous of the University of Melbourne’s Reconciliation Network. She commits to allyship with Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people, respecting their cultural knowledges, creative practices and diplomacies. As Deputy Head of School at MSPACE, Melissa is respectful of Australian Indigenous perspectives, helps establish a workplace culture of creativity and curiosity founded on mutual respect and trust, champions and celebrates the work of women in her sphere of influence, and is inclusive of diverse voices and perspectives.