Practical Ways for Making University Classrooms More Inclusive and Accessible

Grant Recipients

Carol Hulls, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

Jennifer Ellingham, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

Jane Russwurm, Research Assistant

(Project timeline: January 2024 - December 2024)

This grant aims to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data related to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) that were collected from course learners and instructors.
- Data were collected on specific changes in practice relevant to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA), which has been introduced in an undergraduate engineering math course over the past four years. This universal design for learning (UDL) approach reduces barriers, thereby enhancing and empowering access to learning for all students.

For each IDEA change implemented, what specific issue did the change intend to address?
Have IDEA changes had a measurable impact on the learners?
What IDEA changes did the learners perceive as making the course and/or program more accessible and inclusive?
What IDEA changes did the instructors perceive as making the course and/or program more accessible and inclusive for learners?
Of the changes identified as having a measured or perceived impact on learners, what was the relative labour (initial and on-going) and knowledge intensity required by the instructor to put these into practice?
What IDEA changes are best to implement short-term, long-term, and/or would be the most difficult to implement?