We caught up with Sarah Skinner, an Early Childhood Education instructor, about her first year in a full-time faculty role and her evolving approach to inclusive, student-centered teaching. Sarah shares how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, multiple means of expression, and real-world inclusive strategies are shaping her courses—especially in asynchronous online environments.
Sarah reflects on her recent attendance at the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) conference and shares a few memorable sessions and takeaways, including using case studies based on refugee families’ lived experiences and incorporating visual note-taking into learning activities. These approaches center student agency and creativity while maintaining clear learning goals.
Key Topics
- Sarah’s background in occupational therapy and inclusive education
- Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in practice
- Tools like Padlet for engagement and collaboration
- The value of choice in learning modalities (e.g., essays, podcasts, paintings, carvings)
- Conference reflections from CSSE and ideas for case-based learning
- Explorations of visual note-taking in asynchronous online learning
- The importance of preserving joy, diversity, and human-centered learning in the face of increasing automation and AI
Tools & Teaching Strategies
- Padlet for visual and collaborative learning
- Kaltura media tools for multimedia sharing in online courses
- Visual note-taking as an inclusive and creative learning strategy
- Gallery walks as assessment and dialogue tools
- Flexible assessments (papers, songs, carvings, videos) that align with consistent learning outcomes
Takeaway Quotes
“Inclusive education is education.”
“UDL is about fixed goals and flexible means.”
“We’re not just looking for a well-written essay—we’re looking for understanding.”
“When students are engaged and joyful, they’re more likely to think for themselves.”
🔗 Related Links
- Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE)
- Universal Design for Learning Guidelines (CAST)
- Katie Novak on UDL
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Sarah welcomes collaboration and conversation with other Douglas College instructors who are interested in inclusive teaching, creative assessments, or translating hands-on activities to online environments.
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