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Ravensbourne celebrates lecturer's inclusive learning book launch
Article by: David Millett
Publication date:A dynamic book on how to incorporate inclusive learning design into university courses, authored by a Ravensbourne University London lecturer and incorporating ideas from across the world, has been published.
‘Inclusive Learning Design – a practical guide to creating more equitable learning experiences’ was published by Routledge, a world-leading academic publisher.
It draws from 80 contributors from all over the world to gather a unique range of perspectives and cross pollination of ideas.
Virna is an Associate Professor and Course Leader of the PGCert course at Ravensbourne. She is also a teacher educator, which involves teaching our lecturers, developing their teaching, and helping them deliver lessons that take into account everyone’s needs.
We are honoured to have someone with the passion and skills of Virna, who has worked for six years at Ravensbourne, to help ensure that inclusivity is at the heart of what we do and is embedded in our courses.
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If every teacher designed more inclusive experiences for their students, everyone would be able to achieve. Learning practitioners have a responsibility to their students to teach in a way that they understand.”
The book launch took place at Ravensbourne University London in North Greenwich, near London’s Design District. The book’s contributors also include 10 past and present Ravensbourne staff.
The book helps teachers design a learning experience, such as a module or brief, and then how to implement it through the lens of inclusivity.
It advises them how to be more sensitive about different cultures, with practical examples of how teachers can quickly learn about their students and cater to them.
“Imagine a teacher and they have 50 students,” Virna told the Ravensbourne news team. “Each one of them is a completely unique cocktail. They have different backgrounds, different languages.
“It’s as if I’m trying to put inclusivity goggles on teachers and say – have you thought about this from perspective of dyslexic student? Or an international student? How do you make them feel like they matter, that they belong?”
It comes at the end of a year of incredible professional recognition for Virna.
She was awarded a National Teaching Fellow (NTF) award, a prestigious recognition given by Advance HE, a professional body for higher education, which recognises those who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes.
She was also awarded an associate professorship and named on the SEDA (Staff and Educational Development Association) roll of honour. SEDA is the national association for teachers of teachers.
Well done to Virna, and thank you for all the incredible work you do.
Find out more about the book on Virna’s website, inclusivelearningdesign.com
