Episode 8 on Sense of Belonging is now available! Our conversation today focuses on the importance of understanding a sense of belonging for our students navigating Higher Education environments.
Student Voices for Inclusion: Schley stresses the importance of differentiating between accessibility and inclusion: the former giving you a place at the table but the latter ensuring you have everything you need to enjoy, participate and be successful at said table. As faculty, we often desire to hold all the answers for our students; however, it is important to always consult with students experiencing disability to hear their perspective firsthand and collaborate to identify the issues, brainstorm and implement solutions. Her studydoes just this by centering the voices of students experiencing disability and giving faculty concrete ways to enhance student learning.
Designing for Inclusion: Another paperprovides examples of strategies “to increase interaction, engagement, and inclusion in courses with co-enrolment of students with and without disabilities.” It suggests shifting the focus from providing the prescribed accommodations for one student experiencing a disability to changing pedagogical strategies, resulting in a decrease in the cognitive load for all students thus enhancing learning for all.
Using Technology for Inclusion: Lastly Schley references another usefularticle that was written during the Covid 19 pandemic when faculty had to shift quickly from in-class to online teaching. It includes several tips that showcase how these activities should be continued in the classroom. One example, pertinent as we head towards the end of the semester, is instead of having students present individually or in groups during class time to allow them to produce narrated poster presentations in Canvas that everyone can listen to at their leisure and pose questions and comments online.
VOISES (Viewpoints of Inclusive Student Experiences) panels return in-person this Spring. This week we are excited to feature International Student Experiences on Thursday, April 7 at 11:00 am at the Faculty Center. Please register for the panel(s) you would like to attend, and note that these sessions will not be recorded.
Registration for Adapt is now open! This year we are excited to offer a series of pre-conference virtual workshops in April leading up to Adapt 2022: Teaching in Transformative Times on May 9 and 10.
We are pleased to announce the next Minerva Mentions nominee, Dr. Tammy Gruer! This segment features instructors who exemplify excellence and innovation in teaching. Click the image above to read the nominee's "Words of Wisdom" including what they love about teaching, a favorite tip to share, and a helpful resource to consider. If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague, please complete the form at go.uncg.edu/minerva-mentions.
Faculty Development Opportunities
Workshops and Events
Canvas New Quizzes Virtual Workshops | Various dates and times | Register here.
UNCG Libraries Professional Development Webinars | View previously recorded webinars and sign up for Spring 2022 offerings at uncg.libguides.com/webinars.
Experience Active Learning (virtual or in-person)| April 18 at 11:00 am | Register here.
UNCG Powwow hosted by the Native American Student Association| Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 10 am - 6 pm on the EUC Lawn. Grand entry at 12 pm. More information.
Teaching Tips for Ramadan. Last week's teaching tips provided strategies for supporting students during Ramadan. As a follow up, please note that the UNCG Proctoring Lab can assist in setting up alternative testing times for students during Ramadan or other religious holidays.
Let us know what you think of the UTLC Newsletter!
