A classroom where everyone belongs; where people can bring their whole self to optimise their learning; and where all backgrounds and perspectives are welcomed wholeheartedly.

That’s what ‘Inclusive Teaching’ means to Professor Debbie Haski-Leventhal, who initiated the focus of an exciting new event to be held on campus next February.

The Inclusive Teaching Forum, slated for 10 February 2022, will provide an immersive and engaging experience for staff, with presentations, discussions and group activities. This free event – co-sponsored by the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) and Workplace Diversity and Inclusion – will raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the curriculum and in teaching practice, as well as provide a development opportunity for Macquarie staff.

Professor Lesley Hughes, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Integrity and Development) and Co-Chair of Macquarie Inclusion Committee, explains that research has shown the link between an inclusive curriculum and teaching to student success.

“For Macquarie to serve the needs of all our students, from all backgrounds and identities, we need to build our staff capability to teach in an inclusive way, with curricula that represents our diverse student community,” says Lesley.

As well as being a development opportunity for staff and raising awareness of diversity and inclusion in the curriculum, the forum will also identify enablers to support future advancement of inclusive teaching. 

Professor Dominique Parrish, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), has been heavily involved with the development of the forum and believes that it will ignite the passion of our learning community and highlight the needs of our students.

“This is an opportunity for staff to see how they can best engage and empower students as well as enhance the experience of all learners,” says Dominique. “I’m really excited to be part of this opportunity for sharing ideas and methodologies, for designing and delivering inclusive curriculum and teaching that is also engaging.”

For Debbie Haski-Leventhal, it’s about creating a curriculum, conversation, and even a physical classroom where everyone gets an equal opportunity to thrive. As Chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee for Macquarie Business School, Debbie will deliver a keynote address on Teaching Beyond Privilege. 

“I care very deeply about social justice and inclusion,” says Debbie. “As a professor of corporate social responsibility (CSR), I see the effort that some businesses are making to be more diverse and inclusive, and I think there is a lot more we can do here at Macquarie.” 

The Inclusive Teaching Forum is open to all Macquarie staff who teach and want to create a meaningful learning experience for their students. As a ‘hybrid event’, a limited number of staff will be able to participate face-to-face in order to comply with social distancing restrictions, or staff can participate online. Registrations are now open for those seeking to secure an on-campus place or get the date in their diaries.

In encouraging staff to attend, Debbie gives this final thought: “The mind is like an umbrella; it only works when it is open. I’d love participants to come open-minded and to leave with many new perceptions and ideas, on how Macquarie can be even more inclusive.”

For more information on the forum, check the event page or contact Asimo Krizan: ltoperations@mq.edu.au