Week 9: Teaching today's diverse learners: Module Overview

 Watch the following video introducing this module.

Transcript [pdf, 139KB] Links to an external site.

Ideally, you will undertake this module after you have completed both Module 4. Learning and teaching theories and Module 8. Collaborative learning: Harnessing student interactions for deep learning.

This module is designed to build on what you have learnt in these previous modules, to assist you in considering ways you can apply your thinking to support your students. In this module, you will be asked to reflect on: how diversity (in its many forms) influences you, your own experiences as a learner, and how you feel about, and experience, diversity as someone new to teaching. This module will use a range of evidence-based, good practice activities and resources to support you as you address the following questions:

• what does diversity mean, and what does it look like in higher education contexts?
• why is engaging with diversity important to good learning and teaching practices?
• how can I make the most of the unique experiences and strengths that each student brings to my classrooms?
• how can I identify the diverse learning needs of my students?
• how can I help my students develop the skills they need to learn?
• how can my own experiences of both learning and diversity be drawn on to help students learn? 

This module includes a range of videos, self-paced activities and readings that you may choose from. Further, you are given an opportunity to see what other participants taking the module have said, and add to their comments. It will provide you with access to a range of materials and strategies that you can use to work in a constructive way with the diversity in your classrooms, and support the learning of all of your students. Guidance on how to use the materials as well as appropriate contexts for their use are included. This module provides an overview of a very complex aspect of learning and teaching - student diversity.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you are expected to be able to:

• identify and discuss the various forms that diversity takes in today’s higher education settings;
• explore the diversity of your student group in your university, and identify the different needs, qualities and strengths that are inherent in a diverse group;
• recognise and build upon the strengths which a diverse student cohort brings to the classroom; and
• develop strategies that maximise opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to succeed academically.

 

Image source: https://pixabay.com/en/directory-diversity-signposts-281476/