I work in the Learning Zone at CSM, I support students on a one to one basis and also teach students digital skills they acquire to enhance their experience at University. I am currently representing my team by attending Diversity and Inclusivity training. The Inclusive Practices unit of the PGCert has considerably expanded my thinking about diversity and inclusivity. I have been reading a book by Ken Robinson, it’s called “Learning to be Creative” and I think I would like to apply the words Imagination, creativity and innovation. I would like to transfer some of what I have learnt during this enormously beneficial unit and resources to my colleagues and our students too. I would like to expand the conversation to include various forms of diversity, intersectionality as well as whiteness and anti-racism.
bell hooks, in the introduction to Teaching to Transgress (1994), describes the ‘the pure pleasure of being changed by ideas’ (3) she experienced at her segregated school where teachers were challenging ‘white racist colonization’ (2). She discusses entering ‘the danger zone’ (3) where she came across ideas that ran counter to values and beliefs she had learned at home. In her pedagogical approach, she emphasises the importance of the relationship between students and teacher as being one where the learning journey is co-created. She contrasts this method of teaching with the Freirian notion of the ‘banking system of education’, which leads to the maintenance of oppressive structures. hooks emphasise that classrooms should be a place where everyone is heard.
As my artefact, I would like to include a number of sessions with four of my colleagues to discuss honestly and openly at how we could create discussion around various issues and concerns about diversity with our students that come to our workshops. I will use the Shades of Noir website as the main pedagogic tool. Included in these sessions will be a group activity that encourages well-being and collaboration.