Leonie Cassidy

PEDAGOGICAL VIEWS

I believe teaching in the 21st century’s interconnected world needs to celebrate inclusion and diversity as essential for successful teaching and student growth, where location, and differences should never be a barrier to learning. I recognise and appreciate the various backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and identities of all students. I strive to provide a classroom environment where all students feel comfortable and safe in expressing themselves, taking risks, and learning from each other without fear of judgement. I actively select and design course materials that represent diverse viewpoints and challenge traditional biases. I employ a variety of teaching methods and assessments to cater to different learning styles and ensure accessibility for all students. I encourage respectful dialogue and critical thinking about social identities, power dynamics, and historical and contemporary issues of equity. I encourage students to be inquisitive, ask why, ask how, ask is there another way. Everyone’s point of view, and everyone’s questions are of equal importance. I bring empathy and personal understanding to those with a hidden disability, being first in family to attend university, being a mature age student, balancing parenting, and study. In my classroom you are never alone, I endeavour to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all.