Inclusive and Accessible Teaching in the Physical Sciences: Challenges and Opportunities

This event is part of the 2022 Celebrate Learning Week: https://celebratelearning.ubc.ca/

In physical science courses, curricula are often restricted to concepts and discoveries developed in a era of little to no diversity among scientists, so there are few opportunities for students from underrepresented groups to see themselves included as successful learners or practitioners. Most physical science courses include laboratory activities that take part in spaces designed without considering access for students with sensory or mobility barriers. Even when aware of these issues, individual instructors have limited ability to change the conceptual and historical bases of their courses, and limited control over the nature of their learning spaces.

What can we as instructors do to make our physical science courses and programs accessible to a greater diversity of learners, and to address systemic barriers limiting entry or success? Join us for an informal conversation with other instructors to learn about and to share concerns, challenges, and possible successes in making science courses more inclusive and accessible, by discussing course design considerations beyond the usual issues of course topics and delivery. You need not bring proven solutions, just an interest in learning what others have been considering!

Speakers:
– Tamara Freeman: Associate Professor of Teaching, Chemistry, Vancouver
– Anka Lekhi: Associate Professor of Teaching, Chemistry, Vancouver
– W. Stephen McNeil: Associate Professor, Chemistry, Okanagan
– Jaclyn J Stewart: Associate Dean Academic, Faculty of Science; Director, Institute for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning; Associate Professor of Teaching, Chemistry, Vancouver