Dr Sonia Fonua finds a way to engage students early, especially in STEM disciplines, by bringing personal meaning through creative expression.
Looking for ways to engage students early, especially in STEM disciplines?
Building a sense of connection and inclusivity from the start is crucial for effective learning. This approach can be particularly impactful for students who may face unique barriers in STEM, while also helping all learners reflect on their motivations and purpose.
Try this!
Invite students to create visual representations of why they chose your course. This activity emphasises personal connection and meaning-making, fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse ways of knowing and builds a strong foundation for learning.
Addresses these teaching challenges:
- Engaging diverse student populations
- Building early course connection
- Supporting diverse knowledge perspectives
- Creating inclusive learning spaces
- Establishing student identity in science
- Breaking down barriers in STEM
Implementation
- Week 1: Introduce the poster activity.
- Provide diverse examples (photos, data visualisations, personal artifacts).
- Allow flexibility in presentation format.
- Create sharing opportunities.
- Welcome all feedback, positive and critical.
- Use responses to inform teaching approach.
Pro tips
- Emphasise personal connection over artistic skill.
- Provide multiple format options (digital, physical, oral).
- Include examples from various cultural perspectives.
- Make space for different comfort levels with creativity.
- Consider anonymous sharing options.
- Create clear guidelines while maintaining flexibility.
Benefits
- Centres student identity in learning
- Supports relational pedagogy
- Acts as an effective icebreaker
- Reveals student motivations
- Creates inclusive learning environment
- Aligns with UDL principles
- Engages diverse learning styles
Teacher’s voice
“Sometimes the decoration needs to come before the cake as that is what attracts. What might seem like an excessive element in Western knowledge systems might actually be the beginning of the fundamentals in Pacific ways of knowing.” – Sonia
Accessibility considerations
- Offer multiple presentation formats.
- Allow for written descriptions.
- Enable digital submissions.
- Provide assistive technology support.
- Consider group work options.
- Welcome oral presentations.
Try these variations
- Digital Pacific montage: Ask students to create a digital collage representing their concept of ‘The Pacific’.
- Environmental story map: Create a visual journey of local environmental concerns.
- Science identity timeline: Visualise personal journey towards choosing science.
Cultural sensitivity notes
- Recognise diversity within student communities.
- Avoid assumptions about student preferences.
- Welcome multiple ways of knowing.
- Create space for different cultural expressions.
- Value all forms of creativity.
Gathering feedback
- Collect both positive and negative responses.
- Use anonymous feedback options.
- Ask about comfort levels with activity.
- Seek suggestions for improvements.
- Learn from student experiences.
Have a teaching tip to share? Add it to our jar today. Email: teachwell@auckland.ac.nz
Faculty: Science
Suitable for
Shared by
Dr Sonia Fonua
Professional Teaching Fellow
Faculty of Science (Environment)