A 
practical, open-access guide for educators is now available to enhance the learning experiences of students from equity backgrounds. This ‘Green Guide’, accessible at https://bit.ly/GreenGuideUSYD, offers evidence-based and down-to-earth techniques and strategies that any educator can use to improve the experience of students, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
Developed collaboratively by educators and students, the Green Guide is a one-stop shop for practical advice for Australian university educators and leaders who are responding to the call in the Universities Accord to improve experiences and outcomes for students from equity backgrounds.
Download a copy of the Green Guide Chat with the Green Guide AI agent
The article below is adapted from a Staff News article by Killara Ulm, and has been used with permission.
Our Sydney in 2032 Strategy sets out our aspiration to ensure our community thrives through diversity, supporting our strong focus on improving access, participation and success for students from equity backgrounds. In line with this commitment, the Green Guide: Enhancing the learning experiences of students from equity backgrounds provides a valuable resource for educators looking to get started with equity-focused teaching practices.
The recently released Australian Universities Accord Final Report highlights the need for action on equity in higher education. It reveals significant disparities in participation and attainment for students from low socio-economic backgrounds, students from regional and remote areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and members of other under‑represented groups.
Pursuing equity and supporting students from all backgrounds to access and succeed in higher education is not only the right thing to do, it’s essential to enrich learning, advance knowledge, and shape a positive future for all.
Professor Joanne Wright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)
“By applying the practical strategies outlined in the Green Guide – valuing diversity, adopting a strengths-based approach, reducing barriers, and grounding our work in meaningful relationships – we can deliver education that is truly transformational for all our students,” said Professor Wright.
Equitable teaching practices applicable in different settings
While situated within the University of Sydney’s context, the Green Guide can be used in all universities by teachers, educational support team members and others involved with student learning. It is written in accessible language and provides case-based examples to illustrate key concepts and strategies.
The strategies and principles in the Green Guide are applicable to educators in various settings who are committed to creating inclusive and equitable learning environments.
The Green Guide offers evidence-based strategies and actionable steps for engaging students from equity backgrounds, covering areas such as learning design, teaching methods, and classroom dynamics, all focused on creating inclusive and supportive educational environments.
An equitable approach to teaching and learning is centred on creating a learning environment that values diversity and embraces the strengths of every student.
Key practices of this approach include:
- getting to know and respecting your students
- offering flexibility, variety, and choice, and using examples and contexts which are representative of all students
- making expectations clear through accessible language
- scaffolding students’ learning
- being available and approachable
- fostering a sense of belonging among students
- practising reflective teaching.
We encourage educators to try implementing just one new strategy from the guide each semester. Small changes can have a big impact.
Accessing the guide
The Green Guide is a downloadable resource available through the University of Sydney Library. A number of printed copies are also being distributed to faculties and schools.
To make content in the resource easier to access and apply, the Educational Innovation team has developed a chat-based artificial intelligence (AI) agent that provides personalised responses based on the guide. Whether you have a specific question about equitable teaching practices or want to explore the content in a more interactive way, you can chat with the Green Guide AI Agent.
Collaborative effort
The development of the Green Guide has been a collaborative effort across the University, involving a number of co-authors, expert reviewers, and academic and professional staff who shared their experiences. Student readers also provided input through candid and constructive feedback, ensuring the guide’s relevance and accessibility.
Thank you to the many colleagues who shared their experiences, insights and innovative practices in supporting students from equity backgrounds. We look forward to continuing to work together to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for all our students.
Find out more
Interested in learning more about the Green Guide or how to implement its strategies in your teaching? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, want to share your experiences, or are looking for personalised advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out: [email protected]
