Here are some thoughts about moving beyond inclusivity in the classroom – taken from my recent presentation at the Borderland Retreat.
This presentation includes examples from the classroom that illustrate the Change Makers approach to inclusivity – and more recently – queering practices to de-normativise the classroom.
On a personal level, I’ve been contemplating the idea that inclusivity as a practice, is by its very essence an othering and exuding practice and trying to find truly celebratory practice that recognises many and unlimited ‘normals’ as equally valuable and welcome.
As a result of this work, and my thinking in putting together this presentation and other recent pieces of work, I make the following commitment:
I reject the use of inclusivity practice that establishes the silent exclusion of non-normative experience – whether that relates to gender, sexuality, ethnicity, neurotype, communication preference, (generational) academic experience or socioeconomic mobility. There is no ‘normal’ way to co-exist in the classroom. We define what is normal anew in each and every moment together.
Hauke, E (2023) De-Normativising the Classroom. Live Love Learn. http://livelovelearn.education/2023/08/14/de-normativising-the-classroom
I will be writing more about this in the future, but if anyone wants to get in touch to talk about these ideas, I’d be very happy to talk further.