Diversity-Conscious Teaching
Diversity and its appreciation are an essential part of the university's self-image and thus also of the teaching and learning culture at the TH Köln. We accompany you on your way to a more diversity-conscious teaching and working environment.
In a nutshell: What Is Diversity?
Diversity means variety or multiplicity. It is anchored as a cross-cutting theme in the individual university departments and, accordingly, is also part of the teaching and learning culture (German) at TH Köln. TH Köln promotes an inclusive university culture and creates a diversity-conscious working environment to enable as many people as possible to participate in teaching and learning at the university.
Basics: Diversity-Conscious Teaching
In order to teach with diversity in mind, you as teachers should already be conscious of how diverse the students and all those involved are when designing teaching and learning environments. You have a decisive role to play as experts in your respective subjects, as learning facilitators and mentors. You support your students and always view their performance in the context of their own lives in order to recognize potential and promote individual talent. Your open-minded approach is reflected in the concept, execution and development of your teaching.
The behaviour of teachers is decisive in determining who is included and who is excluded.
Frank Linde, professor für economic sciences, faculty for information and communication sciences
The video (German) shows you the possible ways in which diversity can be addressed in higher education teaching.
Reflecting Diversity when Teaching
Teaching with diversity in mind also means reflecting on diversity in the context of higher education—in other words, taking all levels into account. The aim of colleges is to level the playing field and promote diversity as an enhancement to the educational process. Therefore, it is helpful to reflect on which aspects of diversity have a role to play in …
… the university,
… your own faculty,
… or in your specific course.
To answer these questions, the so-called HEAD Wheel (short for Higher Education Awareness for Diversity) was developed, which addresses five different diversity sectors of higher education: demographic, cognitive, disciplinary, functional, and institutional.
It is impossible to say in general terms when which form of diversity is relevant. This question must be asked again and again in different contexts and situations. This means, if necessary, drawing consequences for one’s own actions and offering integrative measures, or indeed adapting one’s teaching and teaching arrangements.
Useful Tip
Explore the different dimensions of the HEAD Wheel and think about where you encounter different forms of diversity.
Diversity in Digital Settings
Digital teaching encompasses many different scenarios and settings. However, teaching digitally with diversity in mind does not simply mean using a variety of methods, but rather using methods adapted to discussion groups. These can be designed in very different ways, but there are some aspects that should always be taken into account in diversity-oriented digital teaching, including:
- gender-inclusive language / diversity-sensitive media language (German)
- shaping and appreciating a culture of discussion and communication
- creating different (technical) possibilities for participation.
You can also support your students by allowing for individual ways to achieve learning objectives, possibly through a variety of approaches, resources, or even exams. You can also use digital tools to assess needs and gather feedback.
Useful Tip
First, determine the objective of your (digital) module. Consider who you have in front of you, who your students are, and how you will accompany them appropriately towards their learning outcome. Focus more on your students and the intended learning outcome than on the method. Consider the specificities of diversity in both digital and hybrid settings.
Any questions?
Feel free to contact us by mail to lehrpfade@th-koeln.de!
Good Practices
Diversität an anderen Hochschulen
Diversität in der digitalen Lehre
Diversity checklists
Links & literature
Header image: © tirachard/stock.adobe.com
