What exactly is neurodiversity and how do we deal with it as a university?
Neurodiversity at least challenges our common assumptions about "normal" and "abnormal" cognitive functioning. It assumes that cognitive functioning is a relational concept, which cannot be understood from the individual alone. The psychological and (neuro)biological differences associated with autism and ADHD, for example, are not intrinsically pathological or abnormal, but simply the result of natural variation. These differences do not need to be 'solved' or 'cured', but primarily require a different design of the environment. Nor can they be separated from the person's individual life story and other important aspects of personal identity. How does the university deal with these and what are desirable directions in doing so.
In the SIG meetings, we will discuss and explore a number of questions about the possible implications of neurodiversity for higher education:
- How can we make room for neurodiversity in the classroom? How do we deal with students and teachers who consider themselves neurodiverse?
- What does this mean for how we teach and what we teach?
- How can we design 'teaching niches' that facilitate neurodiversity?
- What are the university's responsibilities in addressing neurodiversity?
What is a Special Interest Group?
A Special Interest Group (SIG) consists of people who are united through their interest in an education-related topic. The Radboud Teaching and Learning Centre facilitates the SIG so they can research and delve deeper into the subject together.