The difference difference makes: New approaches
to teaching, learning, and educational
development in the context of diversity

Human diversity is a fact of modern life. Whether it is diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, age, occupation, skills, teaching and learning styles, education, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, religion, class, or any of the other ways in which we identify ourselves as different from those around us, the existence of diversity presents significant challenges at the university which is a mere microcosm of our diverse world. One of our greatest challenges as teachers is to use the opportunities presented by diversity to enhance the quality of teaching and learning so that every student in our classrooms has an equal opportunity to succeed. What are some of the pedagogical challenges that arise in the context of diversity? How can we use the inherent benefits of diversity to facilitate student learning? How does diversity change our approach to teaching, and how does the role of the educational developer change in light of the reality of diversity in our institutions?

This session will explore answers to these and other questions about how diversity affects both the teaching/learning dynamic and educational development. It will present a sample of perspectives from students, teachers, and educational developers at one Canadian institution on how attention to diversity has transformed their respective approaches to teaching, learning and educational development. Attendees at the session will be invited to share their own strategies for transforming the curriculum, teaching in different ways, and fostering a positive learning environment for the inclusion and success of diverse students.