Author of How to Write Inclusive Materials, Tyson Seburn, talks about a disruptive approach to building greater empathy and inclusion in the language classroom. In this interview, Tyson walks through the five stages of the disruptive approach and suggests topics, questions, materials and activities we can use for each lesson stage.

KEY TALKING POINTS

Defining a Disruptive Approach

• Tyson defines a disruptive approach as integrating marginalised voices' experiences into lessons to raise awareness and foster inclusivity.

Identifying Unfair Social Norms

• Tyson highlights unfair social norms, like beach access barriers for disabled individuals or discriminatory dress codes. Educators can empower students to recognise and challenge these injustices by discussing relevant themes.

Situating Social Norms

• Tyson recommends using visual aids and critical questions to deepen students' awareness of social inequalities. By presenting scenarios such as beach access or dress codes, educators prompt discussions on societal norms.

Bringing in Authentic Experiences

• Tyson stresses the importance of incorporating real experiences of marginalised individuals to nurture empathy and comprehension among students.

Building Personal Connections

• Encouraging empathy, Tyson prompts students to engage personally with the challenges faced by marginalised communities, fostering solidarity and understanding.

Working Towards Solutions

• Tyson emphasises collaborative problem-solving to address social injustices, engaging students in meaningful language practice while advocating for positive change.

ABOUT

Tyson Seburn (MA EdTech & TESOL, University of Manchester) is a lecturer and assistant director of an EAP foundation year at the University of Toronto and a tutor on Oxford TEFL Barcelona’s Trinity DipTESOL course. He has volunteered on local and international teacher association committees, most recently as IATEFL TDSIG Coordinator. His personal and professional experiences inspired his interest in Queer and racialised ELT experiences and, thus ways to better practices and materials. He is the author of Academic Reading Circles (2015) and How to Write Inclusive Materials (2021). He is @seburnt everywhere online. Search #howtoinclusive on social platforms for more.

REFERENCES

1. Seburn, T. (2021) How to Write Inclusive Materials. ELT Teacher 2 Writer

TRANSCRIPT

Watch with closed captions.

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CREDITS

Producer Laura Wilkes

Editor Haven Tsang

Thanks to our kind guest, Tyson Seburn.

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