Diversity course strengthens both teachers and students

In the autumn semester of 2023, in connection with the clarification of the examination guidelines, the course became mandatory for all examiners, regardless of experience or years of service. Unlike many other universities, Chalmers has chosen to develop a standalone course rather than merely integrating these issues as a subcomponent of other courses. The aim is to strengthen teachers' ability to create an inclusive learning environment. The course is coordinated, like all other courses in higher education pedagogy, by the Department of Communication and Learning in Science.

What do participants learn?

"Drawing on both research and the participants' own experiences, the course addresses issues related to cultural diversity, gender, and special needs. It also explores how teaching and learning activities can be designed to accommodate students' different circumstances," says Anders Johansson, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Communication and Learning in Science, who is responsible for the course together with his colleague Becky Bergman.

Diversity issues have been widely debated in recent years and sometimes evoke strong emotions. Is this reflected in the course?

"Many participants come in with the idea that the course will involve prescriptive rules and directives, but that is not the case. At its core, the course is about encouraging participants to reflect on their own teaching practice."

In other words, becoming an even better teacher?

"Yes, exactly. Teachers want to do a good job and to develop professionally. After the course, many are positively surprised. The comment 'I learned much more than I expected' is common, which is of course very rewarding."
Today, the course has around 200 participants each year. The groups include everyone from early-career research assistants to experienced teachers with more than 20 years of service, and many newly employed teachers come from countries other than Sweden.

"This mix creates valuable discussions where younger and more experienced colleagues can meet and learn from each other. Most groups quickly become engaged, and the overall impression is overwhelmingly positive. In the evaluation, the course receives very high ratings.

Koen Claesson, Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, has taken the course.

"The course addressed topics that felt directly relevant to my daily work as a teacher at Chalmers. Not a single lecture or assignment felt like a waste of time. I was very satisfied."
What was the most important thing you learned?
"Concrete problems that can arise when teachers are not aware that they are teaching students with diverse backgrounds. You simply cannot do an optimal job unless you actively take measures that support certain groups."

Questions about the course?

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