An inclusive curriculum draws on, recognises, accommodates and values students’ diverse ways of knowing and learning. Such curricula acknowledge and respect students as members of diverse communities who possess a range of individual learning experiences and needs. Our teaching practices need to offer diversity to be inclusive.

When planning for inclusive teaching, think about your own cultural and learning background. It is important to acknowledge and challenge your own assumptions, biases and experiences. What you may take for granted and consider ‘normal’ could be an unquestioned part of your teaching style and behaviour that might impact the curriculum.

Inclusive curriculum matters because:

• our global society is diverse where education should reflect, promote, and respect this
• inclusive curriculum and practice are more likely to result in good teaching and positive learning experiences for all
• inclusive curriculum relates directly to social justice and addresses issues of privilege and marginalisation that have excluded people from participation in education
• in our attempts to make higher education thoroughly inclusive, it is vital to seek out, listen to, and act upon students' views with a diverse range of abilities
• inclusivity supports student engagement and in turn, deeper learning.

Indicators of inclusive curriculum

• Diversity is used as a resource for learning.
• The unit/course is designed after consultation with or consideration of relevant stakeholders.
• The unit/course increases the knowledge of cultures and cultural practices apart from that which is considered the majority or main practice. Variety in examples and case histories reflects that diversity.
• The unit/course seeks participation from people who have the expertise to assist in developing inclusive practices, which may include students. Invite Elders, industry representatives, alumni and guest speakers into the learning space. Consider online delivery as an option as videos, podcasts and audio interviews can also provide a valuable resource for all students to access when it suits them.
• The teacher understands and accommodates various groups of students and the possibility of different learning styles, capabilities and a range of learning needs. Variety in teaching methods and styles of presentation appeals to students with different learning requirements.
• Inclusive ground rules that safeguard against racism and harassment and other forms of exclusion are established. The use of inclusive language and examples is modelled and encouraged.
• Students gain knowledge of other cultures and ways of knowing. Links and distinctions are made between different ways of knowing, and students learn to recognise these.
• The implications of cultural difference are examined as part of the theory/practice being studied. For example, different cultural perspectives on illness will create different requirements for a health care practitioner.
• Critical self-reflection by both academics and students on their personal biases and worldviews is integrated into teaching practice.
• Unit and course reviews include an analysis of how the curriculum demonstrates inclusiveness.

Students fall along a continuum of learner differences and share similar challenges and difficulties. Adjustments you make in consideration of the diversity of students’ needs such as well-structured resources and learning experiences which include text and graphics, giving instructions in writing as well as recorded audio, online presentation slides, and a variety and flexibility in assessment types, are good teaching and learning practices and will be of benefit to all students (Healey et al., 2006).

References

Healy, M., Fuller, M., Bradley, A. & Hall, T. (2006). Listening to students: The experiences of disabled students of learning at university. In M. Adams & S. Brown (Eds.), Towards inclusive learning in higher education: Developing curricula for disabled students. London: RoutledgeFalmer.

Leask, B. (2008). Internationalisation of the curriculum in an interconnected world. In G. Crosling, L. Thomas & M. Heagney (Eds.), Improving student retention in higher education. The role of teaching and learning (pp. 95–101). London: Routledge.

Wlodkowski, R., & Ginsberg, M. (1995). A framework for culturally responsive teaching. Educational Leadership, 53(1), 17–21.

Resource adapted from the SCU Inclusive Curricula and Teaching Project (2013-2014), Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP).