Video Lesson: Inclusivity in Higher Education from the Teacher's Perspective

In the video lesson titled "Inclusivity in Higher Education from the Teacher's Perspective", Associate Professor Marko Buljevac, Ph.D., from the University of Zagreb, Study Centre for Social Work, discusses the experience of inclusiveness of persons with disabilities in higher education.

Duration: 2 minutes and 41 seconds.

Please watch the video lesson at least twice.

Transcript

This video lesson discusses the inclusiveness of persons with disabilities in higher education, factors influencing inclusiveness, how inclusiveness can be achieved, the state of inclusiveness at the University of Zagreb, suggestions for improvement, and the importance of teacher competencies for an inclusive environment.

In this video lesson, we will discuss the experience of inclusiveness for persons with disabilities in higher education. Which factors help to ensure inclusiveness in teaching in higher education? In my opinion, there are two main factors that ensure inclusiveness: employee attitudes - the entire teaching and non-teaching staff - and the sensitization of the higher education system. Additionally, of course, reasonable adjustments should be made.

How is inclusiveness achieved at higher education institutions in the Republic of Croatia?Inclusiveness is achieved by ensuring accessibility through various elements. What is often forgotten is informational and linguistic accessibility, which is not ensured, and, of course, the application of all rules of reasonable adjustments that students are entitled to.

Is higher education in the Republic of Croatia inclusive? I can speak only for the University of Zagreb, where I am a teacher. I think it is, and I can speak about the social sciences fields, where I believe most of the teaching and non-teaching staff are highly inclusively oriented and sensitized to the needs of students with disabilities.

What are your suggestions for improvement? Education, education and sensitization, systematic sensitization, in line with new scientific findings and practices in developed countries worldwide, so that higher education can be as inclusive as possible.

Higher education institutions in the Republic of Croatia strive to ensure an inclusive approach to teaching. There are still many factors that need to be improved. It is particularly important to work more intensively on the competencies and awareness of teachers, for their engagement in creating a stimulating and motivating, inclusive educational environment.