The Knowing Your Students (KYS) report and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework were instrumental in designing a postgraduate unit tailored to the specific needs of the student cohort. With nearly 90% of the students being international and many studying on campus for the first time, the KYS data provided valuable insights. To foster a supportive learning environment, students were given the option to form study groups with peers who shared their home language. Additionally, students who lacked confidence in speaking English were paired with a peer who spoke their native language, creating an ongoing buddy system that facilitated the development of their final projects. To further promote inclusivity, the participation component of the unit was adapted to include optional online discussions, providing an alternative for students who were hesitant to contribute verbally in class. Detailed guidance and grade descriptors were created to clarify how students could participate effectively both in person and online. As a result, the discussion boards became vibrant spaces for many students who were less outspoken during class sessions.
Teaching@Sydney