Community for Enhancing Intercultural Learning Experiences: Creating Inclusiveness in Materials and Learning Facilitation

THE SESSION

When preparing materials for students, instructors may often find themselves focusing primarily on the subject content. Much less attention tends to be given to how pedagogy includes or excludes different groups that our students represent. Nevertheless, it is important for educators to be sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of learners in their classrooms and society at large.

In this workshop, inclusiveness will be discussed from two perspectives: 1) materials development and 2) learning facilitation. Part I will raise awareness of implicit bias in materials and present practical strategies for creating representations that are more inclusive. Part II will explore ideas to facilitate interactions among students of different backgrounds to draw out their unique perspectives and learning needs.

Remarks: Light refreshment is ready at 11:45 am, and the workshop begins at 12:15 pm.

WHO ARE WE?

Michael Tom, Lecturer Center for Language Education, HKUST Michael joined HKUST in 2020 and has taught EFL/ESL to learners in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the United States. His interests include CALL, EAP, ESP, educational technology, curriculum development, and materials design.

Rufina Wong, Senior Learning & Development Trainer Dean of Students’ Office, HKUST Rufina joined HKUST in 2008. She has pioneered multiple initiatives for HKUST students’ personal growth, leadership development, and service learning. Currently, she leads a team of trainers to design and facilitate learning & development programs, and to provide one-on-one advising to develop students’ mindsets, skills, and characters.