Diverse learners
Student diversity at Deakin
We are now experiencing a rapid population increase for diversity students in the tertiary education sector. This is a response to a government focus on widening participation policies over recent years. The following infographic illustrates Deakin’s diverse domestic student profile and provides a strong case for developing your inclusive teaching practices.
Ways of seeing diverse learners
We recognise that becoming and inclusive practitioner is an ongoing and lifelong pursuit. Wherever you are on this journey we trust you will find practical information and strategies here that will enable you to develop a greater awareness of the diversity of students and their perspectives at Deakin.
Diversity is a multi-faceted landscape wherein students face complex intersections of identity and experience. Whether students are domestic or international, they will range across visible axes of difference, such as appearance, language, able-bodiedness, age, and gender. Other diversities may be hidden or not as visible, such as learning skills, work experiences, socioeconomic status (SES), rural/regional background, first in family, and health issues etc. It is vitally important to assume diverse characteristics will not always be readily apparent – therefore, it is always better to pre-empt that there will be diversity in the room in every time you interact with every group of learners. Welcome diversity as a valuable resource. It is a rich repository of knowledge and experience to be embraced as a strength not a problem to be solved. Inclusive curriculum content and teaching practice should reflect and draw on different socio-cultural perspectives to enhance students’ engagement and their learning journeys. So how do you do this?
Ways of teaching diverse learners
There are many ways you can make your teaching more inclusive. Whether you’re starting out or already have a well-developed inclusive practice, in what follows there are resources to get you started or to further deepen your knowledge!
Ways of creating supportive and inclusive learning environments
As a first point of call consider your learning environment (whether physical or virtual). How do you get to know and communicate with your students? Do you offer your students flexibility, variety and choice while upholding academic standards? Are your expectations clear and do you use accessible language? These are just some initial considerations when planning for and undertaking teaching. For a more comprehensive list check the accordion below.
Ways of employing inclusive teaching strategies
Having considered your learning environment think about what strategies you can use to implement inclusivity in your teaching practice. Do you have any biases (both conscious and unintentional)? How do you view your students, as individuals or members of a group? Do you need to learn more about specific cultural groups? For more information regarding inclusive teaching strategies, see below.
Ways of using inclusive language and examples
Select and communicate unit material that uses inclusive language and examples. This will contribute to building student engagement and success. Importantly, aim to use learning resources that reflect the diversity within the Australian community, avoid including people only in relation to their diversity, put the person first and don’t make assumptions about someone’s lived experiences.
Ways of embracing learner variability
The diversity of Deakin’s student community has significant implications for pedagogy and curriculum design, because it means that as teachers, you will encounter a range of learner variability in your classes. Learner variability is a broad term that encapsulates the rich differences in learning skill sets and capacities. Be sure to consider whether content is accessible (for assistive technologies), use a range of formats as learning activities or tasks that comprise a mix or choice of textual, visual, aural, and tactile components, have the potential to generate greater student engagement and understanding. Additionally, any learning activities or materials you choose have the potential to disadvantage or exclude some learners. As recommended by a Universal Design for Learning approach, by using a range of ways to gain and demonstrate knowledge you are more likely to meet the needs of your student cohort as a whole.
Ways of using multiple modes of content delivery
Any learning activities or materials you choose have the potential to disadvantage or exclude some learners. As recommended by a Universal Design for Learning approach, by using a range of ways to gain and demonstrate knowledge you are more likely to meet the needs of your student cohort as a whole. Take a look below to compare and contrast various content delivery modes.
Learn more
For more SIPU information, data and reports about Deakin’s student diversity and equity group access and participation, retention and success visit: Equity and Diversity Reports – To access general information about student equity data and how it is used in the higher education sector.
More resources to support diverse learners
While these resources may ‘target’ specific equity groups, remember that what is essential for some is beneficial for all.
Deakin’s policies and procedures
Deakin University has a range of policies and strategic documents that relate to supporting inclusive practice. Take the time to check these out below.
References
Read and find out more about teaching and supporting diverse learners .
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