Seminar Series
“Using A Universal Design Framework to Bridge the Gap Between Accommodations Letters and Active Learning Approaches”
Alisha Sarang-Sieminski, Ph.D.
Dean of Student Affairs and Professor of Engineering
Olin College
Monday, September 30, 2024
GP1002
12:00pm – 12:50pm
Abstract: Many educators have long recognized that active learning environments lead to improved outcomes such as increased student engagement, increased comprehension, and improved retention of course material. Consequently, project-based learning, experiential learning, team-based experiences, and other approaches that emulate the complexity of real world problem-solving are increasingly being used in engineering education practice.
At the same time, the number of college students who seek accommodations for disability diagnoses, often “non-visible” disabilities, has increased. This is likely due to increased understanding of neurodiversity, improved diagnostic tools, and increased access in the K-12 system. Furthermore, reduced stigma and increased access to health care has meant that more people are getting disability diagnosis in the areas of mental health and cognition.
The good news is that for many students with non-visible disabilities, active learning styles can make the learning environment more accessible. And these students tend to choose schools with curricula that meet these needs, such as Olin and, I suspect, WPI. However, these students often bring high school accommodations calling for modifications, such as increased time on tests. In courses where the accommodation measures don’t match the instructional modalities, instructors may struggle to apply listed accommodations and provide an equitable experience for students with disabilities.
In response to these challenges, a group of Olin faculty and staff have been working to develop resources, which draw from a universal design for learning (UDL) framework, to support educators in meeting the needs of a broad student population with a broad set of needs. Dr. Sarang-Sieminski will share these resources and engage the audience in thinking about how they might apply in WPI learning environments
Biography: Dr. Alisha Sarang-Sieminski (they/them) is the dean of student affairs and professor of engineering at Olin College. Dr. Sarang-Sieminski is passionate about creating and supporting undergraduate educational experiences that promote student thriving and development as whole people.
They have a BS in chemical engineering from MIT, a PhD in bioengineering from University of Pennsylvania, and did their postdoctoral work in the Biological Engineering Division at MIT. Since coming to Olin over 19 years ago, they have developed and taught several bioengineering and design courses, have been active in efforts at Olin and in the larger engineering education community to advance equity and inclusion efforts, and have been a part of academic life leadership. As dean of student affairs, they are focused on supporting students across the many aspects of their Olin experiences.
For a zoom link please contact Kate Harrison at kharrison@wpi.edu