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Equity in Informal STEM Learning: Using the Equity Compass

Discover a new framework to help you support all learners and promote equity in informal STEM learning with this online course from University College London.

Duration

3 weeks

Weekly study

2 hours

100% online

How it works

Digital upgrade

Free

Understand the importance of equity in STEM learning

There are ongoing inequalities in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) sector, which has traditionally excluded people from minoritised communities.

This three-week course will help you reflect on and develop equitable and inclusive practice, to ensure that your organisation can effectively support diverse young people’s engagement with STEM.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of equity issues, the factors influencing inequalities in STEM and what to do about it. By the end, you’ll have created a plan of action to make your practice more equitable and inclusive.

You’ll be introduced to the Equity Compass – a practical, evidence-based tool that supports equitable practice – and learn how and why you could use it.

Using the Equity Compass framework, you’ll reflect on and develop your practice. Through case studies from informal STEM learning settings, reflective questions, and discussions, you’ll learn how to plan activities that are equitable and support all young people, particularly those from minoritised communities.

Learn from the specialists at University College London

Guided by the experts in informal STEM learning and equitable practice at the University College London (UCL), you’ll develop the knowledge to promote equity in informal STEM learning settings.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence to take your skills into your own STEM learning environment.

Week 1
Equity in informal STEM learning
- Welcome to the course
  Find out more about the course, who you will be learning with and what you can expect from the next three weeks.
- Why focus on equity in STEM?
  An introduction to the issue of inequalities in STEM participation and the key factors which influence engagement in informal STEM learning.
- Inequitable experiences
  Follow the example of Phil and Nikki’s coding workshop to see how inequitable practices can compromise participant experiences.
- Introducing the Equity Compass
  Overview of the Equity Compass framework, how it was developed, and who can use it.
Week 2
Reflecting on practice
- Welcome to Week 2
  Welcome to Week 2 of Equity in Informal STEM Learning: Using the Equity Compass!
- Challenging the status quo
  Transforming power relations, prioritising minoritised communities, and redistributing resources. These are the three equity dimensions of the first Equity Compass area.
- Working with and valuing minoritised communities
  Participatory working - with and taking an asset-based approach are the two equity dimensions of the second Equity Compass area.
- Embedding equity
  Equity is mainstreamed - the equity dimension of the third Equity Compass area embedding equity.
- Extending equity
  Long term and community/society orientation are the final two equity dimensions, relating to the fourth Equity Compass area.
Week 3
Developing equitable practice
- Welcome to Week 3
  Welcome to Week 3 of Equity in Informal STEM Learning: Using the Equity Compass!
- Mapping and developing Dr Bridges’ practice
  Bringing the eight Equity Compass dimensions together.
- Small steps can make a difference
  Thinking further about how to develop more equitable informal STEM learning practice, starting with small steps.
- Using the Equity Compass in your practice
  Use the Equity Compass to think about and plan your own work.
- Taking the Equity Compass forward
  The Equity Compass is a tool for supporting socially just practice and now you know how to use it.