Dr Gurnam Singh: A deep dive into diversity, complexity and (de)coloniality’ – towards a wisdom-based pedagogy

Most mission statements of large complex corporations and organisations, including universities are infused with references to diversity and inclusion. Some even highlight commitments to decolonisation. However, though these ideas are indeed important, they are often misunderstood or associated with surface level change and of secondary level importance. This presentation will argue that, fully understood, both diversity and decoloniality can become powerful ideas for both transforming the university into a socially just, dynamic, and competitive institution, whilst an inability to do so could be disastrous. In advocating an approach that embraces deep diversity and decoloniality, this presentation will explore what this means for pedagogical practices. In doing so, a case will be made moving away from knowledge to wisdom centred pedagogy.

Christine Bradford & Poonam Pedley: Professional Services and Anti-Racism

As a professional services staff member, where do I start? What first steps can I take if I don't have a module to decolonise?

Join two professional services colleagues who asked themselves the same question, hear about some projects that came out of their anti-racism journeys, and start thinking about your own next steps in a brief brainstorming session.

Open to any colleagues who wish to consider what part they can play towards anti-racism, beyond the classroom and curriculum context.

Yinka Aresa: The Hole in the Wall

Students coming from the UK education system, particularly widening participation students are not always well equipped with what it means to be a university student. Some departments do their best to supplement their transition but it doesn’t seem to be a wide spread attempt. This presentation hopes to question how the curriculum can be improved to benefit all students in the most inclusive way. Research for this presentation has been done through WIHEA with ‘The Seminar Project’ and my own undergraduate dissertation which asks the same questions about the humanities.

Isabelle Gallier-Birt and Kaldora Ibekwe: Virtual Reality for Small Group Facilitators; Understanding Experience of Minoritised Groups

Students have reported that when in small group sessions, facilitators did not always intervene when either microaggressions occurred or cultural explanations were requested of students. The students have raised that they then have an added burden of feeling the need to manage the situation themselves, an action which may be impacting their learning.

This room will explore the concerns of facilitators and barriers to action followed by the development of a student-devised training package using virtual reality to help facilitators understand the impact on students and support their development in this area.