Agreeing guidelines for inclusive interaction in course
Inclusive teaching practices are inseparable from high quality teaching practices, so inclusive teaching affects all aspects of a course and learning experience.
Supporting students' sense of community and belonging
Central to community and inclusion is that the community members feel accepted and valued as themselves. Belonging to a study community means gaining experiences of the relevance of studies and identification with the student community. The sense of belonging is unique and can only be triggered if students identify themselves with the community. That is why it is important to think how to create and promote the sense of inclusion in your teaching.
A student’s sense of belonging is strongly correlated with the ability to learn. The feeling of belonging produces feelings of empowerment, motivation and agency. Similarly, feelings of exclusion or marginalization hinder learning.
Measures to support student participation include
- clear communication on objectives and supporting actions such as learning strategies and assessment
- informing about support and feedback opportunities both at the beginning of the course and during the course
- choices of teaching methods that also support student interaction and learning and student participation in the production of course content
- creating a safe working environment and agreeing on common practices
- involving the student in these policies and processes
The teacher can promote community and inclusion in the course in many different ways, some of which are listed in the table below as well as in the guide produced by Nyyti. The student can also contribute to the emergence of community and inclusion in the group.
For some of us, it is important to belong to some permanent communities, such as the class of the degree program. For others, awareness of a community or experience that a community exists is enough for a sense of community. A sense of community doesn’t always show up as an activity, but it’s important to communicate that everyone has the opportunity to become part of the community. On the other hand, communality can also be considered as mandatory. In this case, it is important that the individual sees the significance of their own activities and involvement and is empowered and motivated by the activities of the community.
Non-discrimination Act/Yhdenvertaisuuslaki 1325/2014Everyone has the right to an equal study and work environment that respects and implements diversity.
In teaching and learning everyone has a role in creating a inclusive experience.
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APPROACH: EAGERNESS TO (UN)LEARN |
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COURSE DESIGN: CONTENT & MATERIALS |
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INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATION |
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Material fo support
Tips to maintain togetherness and team spirit
Collection of tips to maintain relatedness and team spirit
The Best Thing Today podcast series
The Best Thing Today is a podcast series by Aalto study, career and advanced study psychologists.
Accessibility
Accessibility and diversity are the guiding principles of equality at Aalto University. Accessibility refers to convenience of use and access to education, research and related support services regardless of the diverse qualities of individuals.
A sense of community can also be supported outside the course. In many cases, loose-knit, low-threshold communities act as a factor in increasing a sense of community while increasing wellbeing in the communities. In university communities, this can be, for example, a curriculum development group, an academic guidance group or a leisure group in which everyone who is interested is welcome to participate in a multi-voiced, skilled and multi-faceted way. In addition to supporting wellbeing, the group acts as an empowerment and support agent.
Työkaluja yhteisöllisyyden edistämiseen webinaarin nauhoite
Työkaluja yhteisöllisyyden edistämiseen -webinaarissa 5.4.2022 käytiin läpi toiminnallisella otteella korkeakouluopiskelijoiden yhteisöllisyyden edistämiseen liittyviä ydinasioita. Käsiteltäviä teemoja olivat erityisesti yhteisöllisyyden edistämisen vaikutukset, keinot vaikuttavat yhteisöllisyyteen ja erityisesti korkeakoulukenttään soveltuvat hyvät käytännöt.
I like I wish - a facilitated team feedback activity
I like I wish is a facilitated team feedback activity where team members of a team engaged in a creative project get to provide and receive both positive and constructive feedback in written as well as in spoken format. Sessions are processed in a safe and systematic way. The format was developed by Satu Rekonen through dozens of sessions organized since 2011 on several different interdisciplinary courses taking place mainly in Aalto Design Factory.
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Learning Services
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