From the UNIBO Gender Audit emerged that not enough instructors integrate gender-related issues, diversity management and the intersectional approach in their teachings.
Specific courses relevant to sex/ gender in their study curricula
Problem (evidence)
Aims/objectives
To raise awareness of gender equality issues to different groups of students across the university
Resources
A teacher expert on Gender Equality and Gender Studies, Science and Technologies Studies, Discrimination Law and Intersectionality; collaboration skills.
Brief outcomes
The total number of participants for 2017/2018 was 50, 30 students attended the lessons in presence, while 20 in e-learning. 30 students were admitted to the final examination: 13 women, 16 men, 1FtM. For the academic year 2018/19 the participants were 50, all students attended the lessons both in presence and in e-learning. On 50 students, there were 27 women and 23 men. Students came from a variety of field of study since the course was opened to all UNIBO Departments. Most of participants are Master students in Engineering and Technologies (Departments of Informatics 15 students, Energetic Engineering 2 students). 7 students are attending Natural sciences and Agricultural master degrees. 14 students came from the Humanities: 5 students are attending Communication and Media master degrees; 5 students are Master students at the Departments of Law; 1 student is attending Art and 1 Anthropology, 2 students are attending Literature. 12 students came from Social Sciences (Master students at the Departments of Social and Political Sciences 7, Statistics 2, Management 3).
Looking at these quantitative data we can argue that an increasing number of students are becoming aware of the Diversity Management concepts and the intersectional approach, as well as of the importance of integrating the gender and sex variables in research and teaching.
Key area
Integration of sex and gender dimension in teaching curricula
Type of action
Training
Organization
Alma Mater Studiorum – Università Di Bologna
Higher education institution
Action level of implementation
Departments, staff, students
Implementation
As for the academic year 2017/2018 a course titled “Diversity Management. Soft Skills” open to all UNIBO students was provided. To create the course the PLOTINA Team received the support and the authorization of: Huma Resources Vice-Rector, Gender Equality Rector’s Delegate.
The total duration of the course is 36 hours (6 ETC). It started on the 20th February and it was concluded on the 11th of May 2018. 24 hours were provided in presence; 12 hours in e-learning. The total number of participants is 50, 30 students attended the lessons in presence, while 20 in e-learning.
As for the academic year 2018/2019 a course open to all UNIBO students has been provided from February to April 2019. The course title is “Diversity Management. Soft Skills”. The total duration of the course is 36 hours (6 ETC).
24 hours has been provided in presence; 12 hours in e-learning. The maximum number of students admitted to the course was 50. The UNIBO office in charge of the students request of participation (AFORM) received even more of 50 requests. Nevertheless, the total number of effective participants was 50 as previously decided.
The course objectives are the following: 1)Understanding the principles of Diversity Management; 2) Analyzing the mechanisms of gender segregation, ethnic-racial discrimination, exclusion of subjects with diversity and all the processes that hinder the equity and full participation of all members of groups characterized by heterogeneity; 3) Achieving knowledge regarding the strategies of prevention of stereotypes and prejudices; 4) Achieving methodological competences to enhance diversity within groups and organizations.
Tips/strategies – Lessons learnt
The course Professor collected the students’ feedbacks through individual and collective discussions, while managing the relations between participants and invited speakers.
More detailed Outcomes/Impact
Considering the good results of the course, on the long term UNIBO can make this course structural as part of the transversal teaching programme. The satisfaction survey results reveal that students need to explore more deeply these issues in dedicated trainings.
Evaluation
As for the academic year 2017/2018, almost the 100% of respondents think that the knowledge acquired thanks to the course have satisfied the expectative. The 85% of participants stated that their awareness on the sex and gender variables in research and teaching has increased thanks to the course. The overall opinion on the course was: good for the 60% of participants and excellent for the 20%, neutral for the remaining 20%.
The satisfaction survey delivered to students for the academic year 2018/2019 had even better results. Almost the 100% of respondents think that the knowledge acquired thanks to the course have satisfied the expectative. The 100% of participants stated that their awareness on the sex and gender variables in research and teaching has increased thanks to the course. The overall opinion on the course was: Good for the 20% of participants, very good for the 10%, excellent for the 70%.
Reflection/what we would do differently
Considering that for 2019 the maximum number of students admitted to the course was 50 and that the UNIBO office in charge of the student’s request of participation (AFORM) received even more of 50 requests, in the future UNIBO could increase the number of students to be admitted. This is also suggested by a student in the evaluation survey.
Unintended consequences
Some answers to the satisfaction survey revealed unexpected results. For instance, in 2018 a student wrote that the course should last more because it was very interesting and the issues approached deserve even a deeper analysis. Another student wrote that it could be useful to apply the contents of the course, promoting stages and formative working periods. In 2019 a student wrote in the evaluation survey answers that the course should be offered to more students since its contents are precious and useful. Another student wrote that the course is perfectly organized and that it should become compulsory in the future because its contents are innovative and useful.