Making Higher Education More Inclusive (LS-MT-789)
The Learning Scenario
This learning scenario links the social dimension of higher education with that of student engagement. It provides an opportunity to explore ways how to provide inclusive and diverse student engagement in higher education. The scenario encourages active participation, ensuring student engagement from all learners, including non-traditional students. Through interactive discussions, students gain insights into the significance of embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive learning environment in higher education institutions such as colleges and universities, to enrich student life. This learning scenario provides an opportunity to explore ways to provide inclusive and diverse student engagement in higher education. This could be integrated into modules related to i) community social responsibility, ii) inter or intra-personal skills, or, iii) personal, social and emotional development.
The Different Activities
In the first part of this learning scenario, students will be presented with a template featuring a grid containing various identity characteristics. Their task will be to carefully examine these characteristics and identify those that resonate with them. After completing this introspective exercise, the students will then initiate conversations with their peers to discover others who also identify with the same characteristics, fostering a deeper understanding of their shared experiences and perspectives.
Moving on to the second part, students will have the opportunity to watch a video sourced from the Europeana repository. This video will shed light on the experiences of students who have work commitments while pursuing higher education. Following the video, a discussion will ensue, centred around the impact of employment on student life. This exchange of viewpoints will encourage critical thinking and empathy as students explore the multifaceted aspects of juggling work and education.
Image 1 – Video from Europeana about students in higher education who work
In the third part, the classroom atmosphere will transition to a discussion about the concept of a “non-traditional student.” Students will dissect this term, considering its implications and relevance in today’s educational landscape. The debate will also delve into whether such labels are necessary or potentially exclusionary.
The fourth part of this scenario involves students delving deeper into the Europeana resources, this time focusing on materials related to under-represented cultures. Armed with insights from these resources, students will collaborate to design a poster aimed at raising awareness about the importance of inclusivity in higher education. This poster could serve as a visual catalyst for meaningful discussions on campus.
Image 2 – Resources from a Europeana Collection about under-represented cultures
In the final part, students will gather in groups to present their findings and poster creations to the wider class audience. This collaborative sharing session will present the diverse perspectives and valuable insights generated throughout the entire learning scenario, fostering an environment of mutual learning and appreciation. A rubric to assess the poster presentation is also available in the Annex section of the learning scenario.
Possible Outcome
Students following this learning scenario develop a deeper appreciation for the unique contributions of each student, fostering empathy and mutual respect. Consequently, this approach cultivates a more enriching and supportive educational experience, empowering all students to thrive academically and contribute effectively to the diverse global society.
Would you like to know more about this learning scenario? You can download it below :
Did you find this learning scenario interesting? You might also like:
- The Path to Equality Land (LS-RO-639)
- We Speak Different Languages but Our Hearts Are the Same (LS-DI-730)
- Inclusion Processes through Participatory Photography and Digital Narratives (LS-PT-304)
CC BY 4.0: the featured image used to illustrate this article has been found on Europeana and has been provided by the Helsingin kaupunginmuseo.