Tuesday, July 4, 2023

12:45 PM - 4:15 PM

P 504 (P Block, The Cube, QUT, Gardens Point Campus)

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Details

Facilitator Dr Nira Rahman, University of Melbourne Aim This interactive workshop seeks to highlight the importance of acknowledging diversity and differences in our thought process, learning styles and strategies in terms of creating better connection and communication in our classrooms. This workshop aims to foster the discussion on how through shared understandings and collaborations, respectful, inclusive, diverse academic communities can be constructed. Overview If the classroom is regarded as a true reflection of our diverse society, we need to understand and embrace cultural diversity to create respectful, inclusive and active communities within and beyond classrooms. We often talk about ensuring student engagement and enhancing their learning experience in higher education. To enhance student engagement and their academic experience, we, as teachers and practitioners need to acknowledge the diversity of student experiences, aspirations, learning strategies and abilities as well as use culturally responsive and inclusive teaching pedagogies. We also need to create a safe teaching environment where all students feel like they belong and respectful, inclusive, diverse dialogues can occur. Audience Any academic staff who are involved in classroom teaching, and/or coarse designing, or curriculum developing. Context Since knowledge is socially constructed, it is heavily influenced by society and the cultural setting in which it is developed. It is important to acknowledge that human development is socially situated, and knowledge is constructed through interaction with others. Learning outcomes On completion of the workshop participants will have: Discussed and developed some practical strategies to deal with bias and misconception, as well as obtained pragmatic approaches around inclusive teaching. Engaged in hands on activities covering from problem identification to resolution for facilitating the discussion on how individuals might make sense of their own experiences in their academic journey and how academic community might provide support for developing intercultural understanding and enhancing learning experiences. Begun to define and develop the concepts around positionality and intersectionality in inclusive teaching pedagogies. Developed the concept of RID classrooms and the ground rules for running an active and effective RID classroom. Workshop plan This workshop will: Involve a pre-workshop questionnaire to include the participants’ ideas, opinion, challenges around inclusive and culturally responsive teaching in diverse classrooms. Start with exploring the sense of self by using questions around identity. discussing the concepts around positionality and intersectionality by using case studies from real classroom situation. Include group activities (brainstorming, storytelling, experience exchanging) to develop practical strategies to deal with bias and misconception, as well as obtain pragmatic approaches to ensure equality and accessibility in diverse classrooms. Define, develop and deliver the concept of RID classrooms and the ground rules for running an active and effective RID classroom by engaging participants through pair and share.