Pathway towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Curriculum
Preparing students for an increasingly diverse and interconnected world is a critical challenge for 21st-century higher education. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) recognizes the importance of integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles across all disciplines.
Developed through research and collaboration, this pathway document provides a comprehensive approach to DEI integration, adaptable for all HKU curricula. By implementing the roadmap and evaluation framework outlined herein, HKU can foster a more inclusive learning environment, equipping students with the skills for success in a global society.
What is DEI?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in higher education refers to
the creation of learning environments that respect and value differences, ensure fair treatment and access to opportunities, and foster a sense of belonging for all students, regardless of their background or identity.
Diversity
encompasses the range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values systems, national origin, and political beliefs.
Equity
involves ensuring fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all students while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
Inclusion
refers to the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate.
In the context of curriculum development, DEI principles should be woven into course content, teaching methodologies, and learning outcomes to prepare students for a diverse global society and workplace.
Benefits of DEI Integration in Curriculum
Integrating DEI principles into the curriculum offers numerous benefits:
Enhanced Critical Thinking
Exposure to diverse perspectives challenges students to think critically and consider multiple viewpoints.
Improved Global Competence
Students develop skills to work effectively in diverse and multicultural environments.
Increased Empathy and Social Awareness
Understanding different experiences fosters empathy and social responsibility.
Better Preparation for the Workforce
Students are better equipped to navigate diverse work environments
and contribute to inclusive organizational cultures.
Innovation and Creativity
Diverse perspectives lead to more innovative and creative problem-solving approaches.
Enriched Learning Experience
A diverse classroom environment enhances the overall learning experience for all students.
Evaluation Criteria
To assess DEI integration in curricula, we propose this evaluation framework:
Curriculum Structure (Quantitative Measures)
- Percentage of DEI-related course credits (core and elective) relative to total program credits
- Distribution of DEI content across program years demonstrates diverse approaches
Course Content
(Qualitative Measures)
- Integration of DEI principles in course materials and readings
- Incorporation of diverse perspectives and case studies
- Assessment of course materials, teaching methods, project briefs and outcomes, student work and learning experiences
The support structures below could be developed or enhanced:
Institutional Support
- Availability of DEI-related resources and trainings for teachers and students
- Institutional policies supporting DEI initiatives in curriculum development
The following support structures could be developed or enhanced at the University:
- Academic Support
- Faculty expertise in DEI
- Teaching resources
- Professional development opportunities
- Research support
- Student Support
- Mentorship program
- Community partnerships
- Internship opportunities
- Student-led initiatives
Learning Outcomes
- Inclusion of DEI-related competencies in program
learning outcomes - Assessment methods that evaluate students’ understanding and application of DEI principles
- Evidence of students’ growth in DEI awareness and
skills throughout the program
The following are the potential evaluation metrics:
- Knowledge
- Understanding of DEI principles
- Awareness of social justice issues
- Knowledge of inclusive design practices
- Skills
- Community engagement methods
- Inclusive design techniques
- Cross-cultural communication
- Participatory planning
- Attributes
- Cultural sensitivity
- Social responsibility
- Ethical awareness
- Professional integrity
Other Foundational Preparation
- Establish discipline-specific working groups to
- Identify the core values and desired outcomes to tailor
the evaluation criteria to specific needs - Review current practices and global trends, then analyze
and adapt them to the local context
- Identify the core values and desired outcomes to tailor
- Provide sufficient and relevant support to teachers and students
- Engage in co-creation processes with students, alumni,
and teachers to develop curriculum directions
Road Map
Establish a DEI Working Group (Semester 1)
- Form a diverse committee of the discipline, students, and alumni
- Review current curriculum for DEI content and gaps
- Identify opportunities for new DEI-focused courses or modules
Initial Review (Semester 1)
- Share evaluation criteria with Department of Landscape Architecture
- Collect feedback from students, teachers, graduates, and industry stakeholders
Refinement (Semester 1)
- Analyze feedback and revise criteria based on stakeholder input
- Develop detailed implementation guidelines and evaluation metrics
Pilot Implementation (Semester 2)
- Revamp courses with integrated
DEI content - Develop assessment tools (with reference to evaluation criteria)
- Train Division members and establish monitoring mechanisms
Evaluation and Expansion
(Summer Break)
- Assess pilot implementation and refine framework based on results
- Develop plan for full implementation
- Create resources for other disciplines
Long-term Development (Ongoing)
- Provide DEI training and resources for the discipline
- Conduct regular reviews and updates
- Facilitate cross-disciplinary expansion
- Develop case studies and establish measurement metrics
Acknowledgement
The work shown in this website is developed through the Teaching Development Grant (TDG) project titled “Developing Social-inclusion in University Curriculum: How to equip students with disciplinary knowledge training to become the social-inclusion enabler in the future”.
Special thanks to the support of the HKU Teaching Development Grant to make this project possible.
Designed with WordPress