The workshop “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Classroom” offered by Dr. Mayannah Dahlheim from the University of Duisburg-Essen is designed to offer a space for lecturers at the English department to reflect on topics of inclusivity and discrimination in regards to teaching in the university context.
Teaching in higher education often includes difficult and socio-culturally complex topics – subjects, themes, and research questions that require well thought out approaches. Additionally, in view of the vast array of digital platforms and information outlets available to both students and lecturers today, not to mention the onslaught of opinions on social media, students’ expectations regarding course topics and course material are at times difficult to gauge. Ideally, teachers and lecturers respond well to surprising questions and/or unexpected points of criticism put forward during class, responses that include the necessary understanding and sensitivity regarding students’ concerns. To meet this ideal in any viable way, teachers and lecturers require practical tools, especially with regard to difficult and complex issues such as sexism, racism, and discrimination.
In the workshop, Dr. Dahlheim will help lecturers build such a skillset, where participants can discuss observations, field questions, and acquire useful tools for teaching and educating a diverse student body in an equitable and inclusive manner.
The workshop will take place from 10:00-14:00 on both Thursday, Jan. 18 and Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. Participants are kindly asked to participate for both days of the workshop.