Inclusive Practices' Influence on Diversity in Higher Education Institutions
Keywords:
Diversity-inclusive practices, diversity, inclusion at higher education level, inclusive education, education for all, equitable learning opportunitiesAbstract
Inclusion is a philosophy, a spirit, and a true educational practice that keepsake leeway of learning for every learner. Diversified, equitable, and inclusive practices at the higher education level are now inevitable for the permanence of society. The central axis of focus of the Higher Education Commission Pakistan is the implementation of Diversity-inclusive practices that require higher education institutions to employ contextual, practical, and locally inclusive and innovative methodologies and strategies to meet the privations of students with special needs. University faculties are the main agents of transforming and bringing change around by reducing exclusions. This research aims to analyze the factors affecting diversity-inclusive practices at higher education institutions as perceived by university faculty based on their gender, experience, and training attended regarding accommodating diversity. This study adopted and contextualized the APTD scale (Accessibility, Processes, Training, Demand) as a research instrument. The data were collected from faculty employed in the universities of a historical city of Pakistan. Research findings highlighted the need & interest of faculty for training to understand and make equitable chances of learning for diversity in the classrooms. University faculties are advised to use diversity-inclusive practices as the teaching approach to acknowledge the differences and ensure access to learning and opportunities within the university premises that are available to all students.
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