Developing Inclusive and Interactive Learning Strategies in First-and Second-Year University Courses

The academic world that practitioners teach in is vastly different than it was just three years ago. The way we assess our students’ performance and measure their success varies based on the discipline, level of course and its modality. This paper will focus on ways that we can develop inclusive and interactive learning strategies in primarily first and second year university courses and modules. These years are critical for student success as they transition out of a high school environment which is often much more guided and structured. Students need more support in their early years of post-secondary studies, and we, as educators, have a responsibility to develop those interactive strategies in the classroom and make it engaging and inclusive for all learners. The focus will be on online courses as these have become the norm for many institutions, as well as looking at in-person course strategies. Suggestions will include how to approach these new methods in the classroom, including a case study on an example of an effectively implemented interactive learning strategy in an undergraduate program.