Diversifying curricula and assessments

Browse these examples of good practice taking place across Warwick which are aimed at diversifying assessments and curricula. This forms part of the ongoing work to deliver inclusive education to all students.

Diversity in Mathematics

Department: Mathematics Institute

Date: Summer 2023

Summary: Undergraduate students create posters and web content to help promote the theme of diversity in mathematics.

The Maths department recruited five undergraduate interns to work on posters and webpages on the theme of diversity in mathematics. The topics chosen by the students were:

Decolonising mathematics
Racial bias in medical statistics
Mathematics from China
Key mathematical texts from the non-European world
Methods of counting in different cultures

The five posters are now on display on the ground floor of the Zeeman Building. During December, The Library also displayed a mini-version of these posters, along with relevant books on diversity in mathematics.

Output: Explore the posters and research on the Diversity in Mathematics webpageLink opens in a new window.

Next steps:The department aims to continue to work on understanding and improving diversity in mathematics. In particular, in the summer of 2024, a number of interns will be recruited to work on ideas which will help Warwick improve diversity in the maths undergraduate population.

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My aim was to encourage more maths students to look outside of the Eurocentric curriculum. When literature students study a book, they learn about the context, the time it was written, the impact it had. While this is seen as less necessary for 'hard sciences', it can give a greater appreciation of what we are studying. - Kitty, third year undergraduate

I learnt about decolonisation and was able to connect my personal experiences to it. I also learnt about my own culture and mathematical heritage. Asking 'why is decolonisation important?' and 'where are the women?' was a significant part of the project, and is something I now want to learn about further.

- Aardra, second year undergraduate

Decolonising Social Sciences

Department: Faculty of the Social Sciences

Date: Since 2021 (ongoing)

Summary: Collective decolonisation activity culminating in the production of a workbook, awarding gaps report and meetings to action change.

Over the past three years, a sub-group dedicated to decolonisation in social sciences has made strides in reshaping the academic landscape. The past three years have witnessed a collective commitment to faculty change. The sub-group has advocated for the alteration of academic structures, policies and practices. Themes chosen as the focus of the sub-group include:

Addressing awarding gaps. By actively confronting and rectifying these gaps, the sub-group seeks to redress historical inequities, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds receive the recognition they deserve.
The production of the How to Start Decolonising Social Sciences workbook. Curriculum reform has been another pivotal area of focus. In the past three years, the sub-group has championed the incorporation of a broader range of perspectives, theories and methodologies into academic programmes.
The sub-group is now looking at the implementation of validation strategies to ensure a fair and equitable recognition of achievements. This work is ongoing, with departments looking at different activities such as the Say My Name campaign, curriculum developments and supporting networks for students, as a few examples.

Outputs:

How to Start Decolonising Social Sciences (2022): Read the workbook
Understanding Awarding Gaps in Social Sciences (2023): Read the report
Year 3 work 'Validation Strategies' is ongoing.

Inclusive Pedagogies

Department: Academic Development Centre

Date: Ongoing

Summary: Supporting staff to build inclusive learning environments and encouraging open discussions about inclusion in higher education.

Inclusive Pedagogies comprises the Inclusive Education Programme and Inclusive Voices Forum, both of which are aimed at supporting staff or those participating in a staff-student collective.

The Inclusive Education Programme offers a series of workshops, in person and online, which focus on various aspects of inclusion in higher education. Staff have the opportunity to delve into topics such as the concept of reflexivity, students as partners, anti-racist practice, neurodiversity and decolonisation, among other subjects.

The Inclusive Voices Forum seeks to bring together staff and students who will be invited to present information on a topic or a practice. This will then be followed by a discussion. Forum events will take place in the Autumn and Spring terms.

Outputs: The Inclusive Education Programme of workshops take place throughout Term 2. Explore the workshops and register your interest.

Find out more about forthcoming Inclusive Voices Forum events and register to attend.

Next steps: Programme lead, Dr Ryan Arthur, is available to contact for inclusive support for teaching professionals, bespoke workshops and resources, and designing pedagogical research projects. Email: