Module 2: Accessibility, Inclusion and Universal Design for Learning

The Principles of Inclusion & Diversity

A cross-cultural classroom caters to the needs of people with many cultures, languages and socioeconomic backgrounds. The diverse classroom model believes that culture aids people in understanding one another and helps us navigate our understanding of each other.

Everything we do is viewed through the lens of internalized norms and biases. Similarly, individuals behave and think in regular activities from the perspective of the culture they belong to. Thus, an individual can address cultural constraints through human-centred designs. What is human-centered design?

…it is based on a philosophy that empowers an individual or team to design products, services, systems, and experiences that address the core needs of those who experience a problem.

– DC Design[1]

A group photo of young people posing and having fun.
Source: “Standing and sitting people taking group photo” by Joel Mott on Unsplash

This section will examine our ways of communicating with people and facilitating them on a global scale. Techniques in inclusive communication will be addressed for a more empathetic virtual community.

As we go through each concept, we will better understand and be aware of inclusiveness while also learning how to practice and promote it. We will increase our knowledge and awareness of equity, diversity and inclusivity through recognizing our own unconscious biases. This exploration will establish an environment that welcomes various perspectives and supports expression in a safe space.

A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is the responsibility of all educators.

The following practices will be used to guide our actions and decisions:

  • Create a welcoming, supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages all students to interact.
  • Encourage behaviours that promote cultural understanding, respect, acceptance and celebration of diverse cultures, beliefs and ideas.
  • Develop skills that will help us succeed in a multicultural setting.

In this chapter you’ll explore:

  • Principles of inclusion & diversity
  • Inclusivity strategies in teaching
  • Tools to utilize while exploring opportunities for personal reflection and growth
  • Resources and tools for teachers and students that support diversity and inclusion
A terrazzo medallion created by Indigenous artist Joseph Sagaj at Seneca College.
Caption: A terrazzo medallion created by Indigenous artist Joseph Sagaj at Seneca’s Centre for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CITE).
Source: “Terrazzo Medallion” by Joseph Sagaj from Seneca College, 2019, CC BY-NC-SA

Select a topic below, marked with an arrowhead, to reveal more information.

Diversity
Inclusion
Equity
Engagement

Cultural Dimensions Can Help Us Understand Cultures Better

Just as individuals have identities, so do nations and cultures. Cultural anthropologist Geert Hofstede created a list of cultural dimensions in the early 1980s. Here is more information on Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions:[3]

Select a topic below, marked with an arrowhead, to reveal more information.

Power Distance
Individualism vs Collectivism
Femininity versus Masculinity
Uncertainty Avoidance
Long- versus Short-Term Orientation
Indulgence versus Restraint

Everyone knows what a shoe is, but we all have a different vision of this. In the end, what we determine to be a shoe is not the same as what someone else might think. Like students: as much as we may think we know the students, they all have a different story.

We must be mindful of the assumptions we make to avoid false categorizations and generalizations. Openness embodies diversity and inclusion. Be sure to cultivate an atmosphere that encourages new perspectives and approaches.

Diverse group of people having a discussion
Source: “Business people are having a discussion” by Rawpixel on Adobe Stock free assets license

Respect, Compassion and Justice

Below is a list of points to consider for engagement:

  1. Recognize that each person has distinct and specific needs in the classroom.
  2. Respect each person’s right to express and present themselves in terms of religion, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and physical and mental capability.
  3. Encourage inclusiveness by modifying procedures, activities and surroundings as needed.
  4. Focus on the individual’s abilities without making assumptions or assigning labels.
  5. Incorporate diversity throughout all means of communication.
  6. Provide attention, respect and justice to everybody.

Image Tips

When creating material for diverse cultures, keep image selections in mind. Images of individuals in swimwear at the beach, for example, may not be suitable in all countries due to cultural, religious or geographic reasons.

Consider how a person is portrayed in a photograph. Although it may seem apparent, when selecting imagery for a certain culture, be sure that the visuals you choose correctly reflect people in that culture. Diversity should be displayed throughout your presentations so all feel welcome and can imagine themselves within the situation described.

Diversity and Inclusion: Eight Best Practices for Changing Culture

Here are a few highlights on inclusive practices from Sharon Florentine, CIO:[4]

Select a topic below, marked with an arrowhead, to reveal more information.

Establish a sense of belonging for everyone.
Empathetic leadership is key.
Inclusion is ongoing — not one-off training.
Maximize joy and connection, minimize fear.
Forget “fit” and focus on helping individuals thrive.

Activity

Key Takeaways: Terms & Concepts

  • Race, faith and intersecting identities
  • Dialogue, restoration and reflection
  • Understand identities and incorporate this into engaging content
  • Define, speak in simple terms, say it more than one way, repeat
  • Create opportunities for the type of meaningful engagement that drives impact in learning
  • Ensure equal access for students/learners

Resources & Tools

Getting into college is, for disadvantaged students, only half the battle. Anthony Abraham Jack, assistant professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, reveals how and why they struggle and explains what schools can do differently if these students are to thrive. He urges us to grapple with a simple fact: access is not inclusion, in the video, On Diversity: Access Ain’t Inclusion[Video]

International students bring expectations of academic culture that are often not compatible with U.S. academic culture; watch Teaching International Students: Academic Integrity [Video].

Practicing Inclusivity – Tips, rituals, and prompts for leading a more inclusive team

Cards for Humanity: A practical tool for inclusivity: two random cards are dealt, a person and a trait. Your challenge: work out how you can meet their needs.

Interfaith Calendar

Time Zone Calculator

Iowa State University has a page on student engagement techniques

Here are some free stock resources if you need imagery:

References & Case Studies


  1. Design, D.C. (2017, August 14).

    What is human-centered design? DC Design. Retrieved November 30, 2021, from https://medium.com/dc-design/what-is-human-centered-design-6711c09e2779

  2. Lombardo, G. (2021, June 23). A guide to cross-cultural design — By Senongo Akpem. DeMagSign. Retrieved November 30, 2021, from https://medium.com/demagsign/a-guide-to-cross-cultural-design-by-senongo-apkem-368c90de1b76
  3. The Mind Tools Content Team. Hofstede's cultural dimensions: Understanding different countries. From MindTools.com. Retrieved December 16, 2021, from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htm
  4. Florentine, S. (2019, February 14). Diversity and inclusion: 8 best practices for changing your culture. CIO. Retrieved November 30, 2021, from https://www.cio.com/article/3262704/diversity-and-inclusion-8-best-practices-for-changing-your-culture.html

License

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Designing and Developing High-Quality Student-Centred Online/Hybrid Learning Experiences Copyright © 2022 by Seneca College; Humber College; Kenjgewin Teg; Trent University; and Nipissing University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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