Fostering an Inclusive Learning Environment Through Course Development: A Program Evaluation

<p>This evaluation was chosen to address the desire of students to see themselves and their lived experiences in their coursework at University College, the location of this study. The purpose was to complete a utilization-focused evaluation that assessed first, the formal and informal practices involved in the course development process within an academic department at University College, University of Denver, and second to determine the extent to which the course development process contributes to an inclusive learning environment. Data were collected using qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews of key stakeholders in the course development process, observations of weekly course development meetings, and review of documents used throughout the process. The data were reviewed and coded for elements and themes relevant to the evaluation’s purpose. Findings were analyzed in relation to the evaluation questions which centered on documenting the existing course development process including the formal and informal practices that are employed which contribute to an inclusive learning environment, and assessing the extent to which the course development process fosters and supports and inclusive learning environment. The findings highlighted the emphasis of informal over formal practices guided by the instructional designer, and that, while there is support for subject matter experts during the process, the focus on structural and temporal aspects of the course design process may be sidelining conversations and work toward inclusive practices. Recommendations that emerged from the evaluation included (a) creating a more equitable process for selecting subject matter experts; (b) leveraging a culture shift at University College to support ongoing improvement efforts; (c) creating opportunities to bring more perspectives and worldviews into the design and development process so that students can see themselves and their lived experiences reflected in the course content; and (d) centering inclusive practices in both the course development process itself as well as within the course content. Recommendations for future research and process improvement efforts focus on the connection to other elements of teaching and learning such as teaching practice, instructor engagement, and the development of a learning community among students, and creating processes and practices that allow students and their instructors to interrogate the white, eurocentric, cis-het, patriarchal structures that dominate the landscape of higher education.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation in Practice

Year

2023

Author dc:creator

• Rogers, Rachel K.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Michele Tyson
• Sarah S. Hurtado
• Bobbie Kite

• Course development
• Higher education
• Inclusive learning environment
• Online learning
• Program evaluation
• Utilization focused evaluation
• Education
• Online and Distance Education

Statement dc:rights

• <p>Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.</p>

Language dc:language

English (eng)

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/2314

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.du.edu:etd-3306