Teaching and Learning Resources

The University's student population is increasing in size and diversity. Academic staff teach students with a range of learning styles and abilities, from many different cultural, social, educational and linguistic backgrounds. Each group may include school leavers from a range of schools, students returning to study after a break of many years, international students and students with disabilities. The creation of a learning environment that recognises and supports these backgrounds is a skill which, once developed, will enhance learning for all students and lead to a more rewarding teaching experience.

In 2002, Academic Board approved five operating principles to guide academics in their efforts to promote and support cultural diversity in the classroom.

'Cultural Diversity in Teaching and Learning: A Guide to Self-Audit for Good Practice' outlines the importance of:

• Respecting culturally diverse approaches to learning and ways of understanding;
• Providing opportunities for all students to reflect on, and express their own sources of cultural influence, as well as the knowledge and experience they bring to the educational environment;
• Encouraging a critical and open awareness of inappropriately ethnocentric, gender-biased language and assumptions and devising effective strategies for managing classroom situations of discrimination and stereotyping;
• Creating an open and inclusive approach to learning from others, and valuing the diversity of perspectives offered in group learning contexts;
• Maintaining a learning environment that addresses the marginalisation or isolation of students on the basis of cultural difference.

The following resources give strategies for implementing these guidelines. They include some that have been developed by University of Melbourne staff and some from other institutions and organisations.

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Teaching and Learning Management Plan
The plan includes strategies for promoting diversity through teaching and learning.

Creating Accessible Teaching and Support
The CATS project was funded by the Australian Universities Teaching Committee (now the Carrick Institute) to improve the quality of teaching and support for students with disabilities. The CATS website includes a self-assessment tool, information and practical strategies for academics, administrators, managers and disability practitioners. Three booklets are also available, for working with students with vision impairment, hearing impairment and mental health conditions: these can be ordered through the website.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Summit on Internationalising Teaching and Learning
Papers available:

• Assessment: Language and Cultural Considerations: Dr K Loughlin, Faculty of Education
• Dealing with Difference: the Diversity Consequences of International Education: Professor J Lo Bianco, Faculty of Education
• A Personal Account of Teaching a Diverse Student Cohort: Professor J Borland, Department of Economics
• Encouraging Inclusive Practice in Teaching, Learning and Assessment: Dr S Arkoudis, Centre for the Study of Higher Education
• Internationalising the Curriculum: Dr S Chang, Department of Information Systems

Encouraging Inclusive Practice in Teaching, Learning and Assessment (pdf 458KB) - approved by the Academic Board. A checklist of practical strategies to improve the learning experience of students from different countries, cultures and educational experience.

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Students from Asia: Issues in Teaching and Learning This report includes recommendations 'to promote culturally-sensitive and student-centred practices of good teaching which ensure an optimum teaching and learning environment for both Australian and foreign-born students of the University.'

Disability Liaison Unit (DLU)
The DLU site includes information and strategies on aspects of teaching and learning and assessment, including reasonable adjustment and academic standards, alternative examination arrangements, inclusive teaching, field trips, accessible formats and postgraduate supervision.

Library Services for Students with Disabilities
Information about assistive technology, study rooms and building access.

Academic Skills Unit (formerly known as the Language and Learning Skills Unit, or LLSU)
The LLSU offers a range of services and resources to assist staff and students, and supports the academic needs of students from all backgrounds. The LLSU has specific resources for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and for ESL, international, first year, distance and returning students.

AIRport: Academic Interaction Resources portal. AIRport includes self-access and moderated short courses and activities for undergraduate students, with sections specifically designed for ESL students.