Towards a More Inclusive University - Supporting Teachers Through Universal Design for Learning.

The diversity among Swedish university students is steadily increasing. The students have different backgrounds, experiences, interests, learning styles and abilities. Also, there are more students with disabilities at Swedish universities, especially invisible disabilities. Teachers need to adapt their teaching and curricula, and can no longer wait to do this until they spot a student with diverse learning preferences. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an approach to make a university more inclusive, by increasing the flexibility of how students can take in information, express their knowledge and be motivated in learning. Seven key persons at a Swedish university took part in focus group interviews about their views and experiences of diversity and inclusion. They represented key administrative and pedagogical functions, as well as a student organisation and learning support for students with disabilities. Qualitative content analysis of the interviews resulted in 10 themes: a) Attitudes and treatment b) Accessibility and participation c) Knowledge and competence d) Support and resources e) System and processes f) Organisation g) Teachers and education h) Students and student organisations i) Actions and solutions j) Future work.

Conclusions

While the university has good support for students, more support for teachers is needed. Thus, the next step will be the development of a course module for teachers to be included in a regular pedagogical development course for teachers at the university. Furthermore, there is a need for more knowledge about inclusive student activities, taking place outside of lecture rooms.