Summary of the Parallel Sessions
This blog gives a brief summary of the Parallel sessions enjoyed on day 2…
Session A (Online): UDL in Practice
Location: CC009 Hereford Room
Chairs: Professor Susie Gronseth, University of Houston, USA and Kevin Fernandez, University of Worcester
Disrupting Ableism in STEM with UDL
Speakers: Sam Johnston, CAST, USA and Dr Luiz Perez, CAST, USA
This session explored the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to disrupt ableism in STEM education. The presentation discussed strategies to create inclusive STEM environments that accommodate diverse learning needs and reduce barriers for disabled students.
Towards an Integrated Framework Theory for Working Memory
Speaker: Hamid Meziane, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Morocco
This session presented a theoretical framework integrating working memory models to better support learners with working memory challenges. This approach aims to improve instructional design by considering cognitive load and memory processes.
Toward Inclusive Digital Education: Integrating Universal Design for Learning in E-Learning Platforms
Speakers: Dr Sana El Jamyly, Khadija Eslifani, and Prof El Makhtar El Maouhal, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
This presentation focused on incorporating UDL principles into e-learning platforms to enhance accessibility and inclusivity. The speakers provided insights into how digital education can be transformed to better support all learners.
A Scoping Literature Review of UDL Principles Embedded in Subjects in Secondary Education
Speakers: Danielle Phelan, Dr Helen Maguire, and Dr Clare Finnegan, Atlantic Technological University, Ireland
The speakers conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify how UDL principles are being integrated into secondary education subjects. Their findings highlighted best practices and areas needing further research and development.
ENABLE Framework: Contextualising UDL at UCT
Speakers: Lauren Butler and Nadine Hamman, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Butler and Hamman introduced the ENABLE Framework, which contextualises UDL within the University of Cape Town. They discussed the framework’s implementation and its impact on fostering an inclusive academic environment.
A UDL Approach to Academic Stress
Speaker: Elizabeth Hitches, The University of Queensland, Australia
Hitches presented strategies for applying UDL principles to mitigate academic stress. The approach emphasises flexibility, choice, and support to help students manage stress effectively.
Towards Inclusive Learning Spaces: Unravelling Teacher-Student Dynamics in Moroccan High Schools
Speaker: Nouh Alaoui Mhamdi, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Morocco
This session explored the dynamics between teachers and students in Moroccan high schools, focusing on how UDL can promote inclusive learning environments. The session highlighted challenges and proposed solutions to improve inclusivity.
Session B: Celebrating Neurodiversity and Other Paradigms
Location: CC007 Malvern Room
Chair: Dr Emma Richardson, University of Worcester, UK
Celebrating Autism as a Neurodiversity: A Crucial Component of Universal Design for Learning
Speaker: Dr Julie S. Prentice, University of Worcester, UK
Dr Prentice discussed the importance of recognising autism as a form of neurodiversity within UDL frameworks. She emphasised the need for educational practices that celebrate and support autistic students.
Cross-Pollination of Universal Design for Learning and Neurodiversity Frameworks to Improve Opportunities for Expression of Learning
Speakers: Aashna Khurana and Professor Kristen Bottema-Beutel, Boston College, USA
This session explored the integration of UDL and neurodiversity frameworks to enhance learning opportunities. They provided examples of how these combined approaches can benefit diverse learners.
Using UDL Principles in an Immersive Simulation of Sensory Overload
Speakers: Kirsty Wedgbury and Susan Poultney, University of Worcester, UK
Kirsty and Susan demonstrated the use of UDL principles in an immersive simulation designed to educate participants about sensory overload. Their session aimed to increase empathy and understanding of sensory processing challenges.
Developing an Inclusive Ecology in Higher Education using Universal Design – A Pragmatist’s Perspective
Speaker: Thomas O’Shaughnessy, University of Limerick, Ireland
This parallel session provided a pragmatic approach to developing inclusive ecologies in higher education through UDL. He shared practical strategies and case studies from his experiences at the University of Limerick.
Using Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning to Reconceptualise Career Guidance
Speakers: Dr Mary Quirke and Dr Conor McGuckin, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Dr Quirke and Dr McGuckin discussed how UDL can reconceptualise career guidance to better support all students, particularly those with disabilities. They highlighted innovative practices and successful outcomes from their work.
Session C (Symposium A): Empowering Diverse Learners: Integrating Universal Design for Learning in Moroccan Education
Location: CC004 Worcester Room
Chair: Dr Sean Bracken
Coordinator: Professor Mustapha Aabi, ICEQ Co-Chair, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
Revolutionizing Assessment in Multilingual Moroccan Higher Education: A Path towards Inclusivity
Speaker: Dr Amal Ben Attou, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
Dr Ben Attou presented on the need to revolutionise assessment practices in multilingual Moroccan higher education to promote inclusivity. She outlined strategies for fair and accessible assessment methods.
Advancing Inclusion in Online Assessment Practices in Moroccan Education
Speakers: Professor El Makhtar El Maouhal and Dr Brahim Abaragh, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
This session discussed advancements in inclusive online assessment practices. They provided practical examples of how UDL principles can be applied to online education to support diverse learners.
Navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder in Morocco: A Document Analysis of Current Challenges and Future Directions
Speaker: Dr Mohamed Boufous, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
Dr Boufous conducted a document analysis to explore the current challenges and future directions for supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Morocco. His findings highlighted the need for systemic changes to improve support and inclusion.
Empowering Inclusive Democracies: Bridging UDL Strategies with Political Socialisation for Youth Engagement in Morocco
Speakers: Associate Professor Hassan Oubelouhy & Rachid Amadane, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
This presentation explored how UDL strategies can be used to empower youth engagement in political socialisation processes in Morocco. Their presentation focused on fostering inclusive democracies through education.
Inclusive Education and Classroom Practices: A Case Study of Multi-Level Class Management in Primary Schools of Agadir Idda Outanane Region – Morocco
Speaker: Professor Abdelfettah Nacer Idrissi, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
This presentation presented a case study on managing multi-level classrooms in primary schools in the Agadir Idda Outanane region. The session discussed challenges and successful strategies for implementing inclusive education practices.