Optimising diversity through inclusive teaching practices
Diversity in the student and staff population is a strength of the University community. The myriad backgrounds and experiences of our students make for engaging learning environments.
The University has a number of institutional level plans to address structural and cultural barriers to diversity and inclusion which include the need for inclusive teaching practice. Designing and delivering learning that demonstrates respect for diversity not only enables all students to demonstrate their academic potential, but is a requirement under the legislation (Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth); Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA)).
Delivering inclusive learning benefits the whole student cohort, and if considered at the planning stage, is not usually time-consuming or costly. Making adjustments to a course which has not considered inclusive learning is often much more difficult for educators, may impact on students learning (whilst they are waiting on retrospective fixes), and is much more costly to the University.