Inclusive Education Workshops

This workshop series shifts the conversation from mere representation to addressing the systemic racial barriers within the academic environment. These are independent sessions in which you will:

• Delve into the concept of anti-racism and anti-racist action within the context of UK higher education.
• Explore the multifaceted nature of 'whiteness' within different aspects of higher education, examining how it manifests and impacts the system
• Understand the importance of centring black and minority ethnic scholars and students' voices over superficial diversity efforts
• Examine the concept of anti-racist pedagogy and how pedagogical strategies can be employed to engage in constructive dialogues about racism

This workshop series offers valuable insights and guidance for those looking to create a more inclusive and equitable higher education landscape.

In this workshop series, we base our discussion on acknowledging that university education is now open to a diverse range of students, each with unique identities that evolve during their academic journey.

As part of our commitment to inclusive education, we conducted an in-depth autobiographical research project with 15 LSE students. This series will present the research findings and engage with key themes, narratives, and recommendations from the research. We aim to facilitate open discussions on how these findings can inform teaching practices in the classroom and across the school, creating a more humanising and connected environment that respects and learns from the myriad of experiences and identities our students embody.

Academic mentoring, often known as personal tutoring, is a critical aspect of student support. While there is no single universal definition, it typically involves academic staff providing comprehensive guidance, covering higher education processes, academic feedback, personal welfare support, referrals to resources, and fostering a sense of belonging within the institution (Thomas, 2006:22).

In this series, we take an in-depth look at the role of academic mentoring at LSE, with a special focus on its contribution to creating an inclusive learning environment. Through engaging discussions and scenario-based exploration, we delve into the following topics:

• The various understandings of the role of academic mentors
• The connection between academic mentoring and student education
• The emotional and practical dimensions of the role for academic mentors and their preparedness
• The challenges and potential solutions related to Academic Mentoring at LSE

Furthermore, the series offers insights into different academic mentoring models at LSE and presents information about the services and support available to students. We also facilitate discussions on scenarios mentors may encounter, exploring diverse strategies for addressing them.