Janine Dixon (School of Natural Sciences)

Janine’s Teaching Excellence Award submission details her implementation and dissemination of Neurodivergent Inclusive Practices in Higher Education. Janine identified key barriers that neurodivergent students face, and developed active, flipped and technology-enhanced pedagogic solutions within her teaching practice and learning resources to enhance the students’ academic experiences and outcomes. Students commended the regular feedback, mapped delivery structure, variety of session formats and guidance resources within the teaching delivery.   In addition to this Janine held round table talks and academic workshops at the university and externally, which focused on raising awareness of the needs and strengths of neurodivergent students, challenging stereotypes and identifying best practices for inclusive teaching, learning and assessment. The workshops also examined how the inclusive methods explored can also provide necessary accommodations for other disadvantaged student groups and the wider learning community through a Universal Design for Learning.   Janine’s inclusive teaching strategy and academic workshops emphasise the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity within HE, and significantly contribute towards the university’s strategies on Inclusive Education and Educational Leadership.