How to use the Toolbox
You can navigate the different sections of this toolbox (e.g. Role of the Teacher) and find corresponding topics within each section (e.g., challenging your own bias). These sections were based on common elements in everyone’s teaching at university (e.g., definining learning objectives, deciding how to asses students’ progress). Learning Materials Learning Objectives Teaching and Learning Activities Role of the Teacher Assessment
Per topic, relevant (practice-based) literature and tools were collected and then the project team:
- Curated tools and teaching strategies: meaning that we gave a short description and/or summary of existing tools and literature;
- Combined tools and teaching strategies: meaning that we selected and synthesised relevant information per topic;
- Adapted tools and teaching strategies: meaning that we adjusted or updated existing material to fit the needs of teachers or course coordinators at UU;
- Constructed tools: meaning that we created new tools to enhance inclusiveness of education at the university based on the existing literature.
Throughout the toolbox, you will find many examples and quotes. These are mostly based on focus groups we held with students, discussions with teachers, as well as the research literature on the topic. These examples were sometimes slightly adapted to ensure anonymity and/or were sometimes simplified for the sake of readability.
Based on users’ contributions, the materials and explanations are improved and expanded continuously. Should you have any feedback on the tools or teaching strategies described in the toolbox, or should you wish to add a relevant case regarding inclusive education, please contact us via: inclusivecurriculum@uu.nl.
Small changes, big impact
Working on making your course more inclusive, can seem like a daunting task. This was also mentioned often in conversations we had with teachers. If you feel this way as well, we suggest you start by making one small change to the way you teach or to your course. For example, by examing your materials and checking whether the reflect society’s diversity and the diversity in your student population. Whatever change you make – minor or major – can already have a big impact on your students. To assist you in reflecting on your course and teaching, we have also developed a reflection tool. We hope you find this toolbox useful if you have any more questions or comments, please contact us.
Want to know more?
Do you want to know more about the project? Then have a look at the project’s website. For any further questions, please contact: inclusivecurriculum@uu.nl