Inclusive Curriculum and Accessibility Project Anne Grant Chris Tuck Dr. Mark Francis-Wright 1 11 th June 2010

Overview Introduction to the projectTeam structureMethodology usedData collectionProject procedureEmergent themesWhere we go from here 2

Introduction Year 1 of a five-year work plan Aim – embed accessibility into teaching & learning and reduce barriers to learning Outputs – training package for HODs, to be cascaded to other teaching staff 3

Five year work plan Year 1 Dyslexia Year 2 Mental Health Year 3 Mobility Difficulties Year 4 Sensory Impairments Year 5 Unseen Disabilities 4

Project Partners Funding - awarded through LSBU ‘Learning & Teaching Project Innovation Scheme’ from LTEU HE Academy – participated in Summit Programme ‘Developing Inclusive Learning & Teaching’ 5

Team Structure Anne Grant Manager DDS Mark Francis- Wright Senior Lecturer Helen George Head LTEU Tom Hall Academic Developer Chris Tuck Disability Officer 6 Combined knowledge of dyslexia, data analysis and learning & teaching

Methodology Appreciative Inquiry (AI) AI involves the art and practice of asking questions that strengthen a system’s capacity to heighten positive potential. It mobilizes inquiry through crafting an “unconditional positive question’ often involving hundreds or sometimes thousands of people.” Cooperrider, D.L. & Whitney, D., “Appreciative Inquiry: A positive revolution in change.” In P. Holman & T. Devane (eds.), The Change Handbook, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., pages

Data Collection Students AHS PGCE ESBE Architecture HSC Nursing Heads of Departments Lecturers 8 Individual interviews Focus groups

Project Procedure 9 Interviewed all the students and transcribed data Ran focus groups for AHS, ESBE and HSC for HODs and lecturers, and transcribed data Undertook analysis of data from individual student interviews and staff focus groups Consolidated the themes that emerged in order to inform the nature of the training programme

Emergent Themes Important tutor behaviours encouraging learningLearning & discovery – multiple methodsGap-free learningSelf-developed learning strategiesThe value of institutional support strategiesMaintaining motivation to succeed 10

Focus on Theme 1 11 Important tutor behaviours encouraging learning Taking time to explain during lectures and outsidePersonal tuitionOffering handouts before lecturesWell-planned resources and learning materials e.g. workbooksExtra classesPatience listening, interaction with studentsOffering real examples, practical sessions supporting theory

Where we go from here Training package for Heads of Department is underway Short Term We need your input to contribute to the training package for lecturers Medium Term Dissemination of findings to a wider audience e.g. HEA, NADP, Educational Journals Long Term 12

Further information Contact us for this presentation and for more information about our findings 13 Chris Tuck –