Students’ perspectives and experiences with equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in online and in-person undergraduate science laboratory courses

• DOI: 10.56433/jpaap.v11i3.581
• Publication Date: 2023-12-29T02:36:22Z
• Authors: Mariam Takkouch; Stephanie Zukowski; Nicole Campbell
• Keywords: Equity

Inclusive education strengthens the capacity of academic systems and addresses needs all learners. Although colleges universities are embracing diversity introducing inclusive principles into higher policies practices, there is scarcity in research exploring undergraduate university students’ participation engagement science laboratories, especially among underrepresented equity-deserving groups. Accordingly, this study explores perspectives on laboratory courses investigates best practices for creating equitable accessible environments, both in-person online. This following questions: 1) How online to students? 2) What equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility (EDIA) barriers exist courses? 3) support structures recommended ensure inclusion students A mixed methods design was employed gather data using an questionnaire semi-structured interviews with 58 from diverse cultural, ethnic, racial, socioeconomic backgrounds at a Canadian university. Findings highlight that considered labs be flexible, convenient, self-paced, relaxed, respect aspects involving physical disabilities language barriers. In-person were deemed fast-paced, yet valuable technical skills considering elements pertaining collaboration, support, communication peers faculty members. Students highlighted as common delivery formats: (physical language), financial, stereotypical Recommendations improving lab also included. has significant implications other experiential learning environments education, particularly recent transitions modifications education. paper will discuss related sub-themes special issue: instructors’ professional development, digital quality enhancement.