Student responses –

• Learning the new skill of bookbinding is positive to student learning journey: “to organise research, drawing, visual, working at own pace, re-contextualise ‘difficult’ material, clear, visual instruction, relaxed environment, choice of techniques to try out, multi-sensory, dyslexia-friendly resources, meditative, improved focus, presenting own work, freedom of expression, experimentation.”
• Making books is a sustainable way of working: recyling found papers/fabrics/threads/yarns, knowledege sharing on paper-making techniques;

Staff responses –

• Students are much more engaged when learning is practical and hands-on
• BAME and/or international students are less likely to disclose a ‘disability’ or a specific learning difference (SpLD)because they are already marginalised therefore disadvantaged; disclosure could impact visa status,
• Testing for SpLD is normed for dominant-English speakers and Whiteness
• Barriers for BAME and/or international students accessing support may be contributing to the attainment gap.
• A focus on inclusive practices/anticipatory adjustments would benefit all students and address issues surrounding undisclosed/undiagnosed/unseen disability and/or neurodivergence.

Reflective Summary – My Pedagogy

• Language used to address students, to explain concepts/techniques should be inclusive and accessible
• Never make assumptions about what I think students do and do not know
• Provide multi-sensory dyslexia-friendly written resources in learning environments
• Working alongside students reduces teacher pupil hierarchy
• Avoiding group crit allowed fluid student sharing and responses
• “simultaneously teachers and students” Friere (1970) p.53
• Foregrounding ‘making mistakes’ reduces pressure to ‘get it right’ and allows for fluid expression through the creative process, ‘happy accidents’
• Providing fluid structure to workshop enabled students to explore their own ideas and direction during the proposed activities, student autonomy

References:

Friere, P (1970) Pedagogy of the Oppressed. London: Penguin