'A Different Hue of Blue': Tribute, an autobiographical classroom intervention

Abstract

The research project ‘A Different Hue of Blue’ aims to expose the realities of embedding diversity and inclusivity within the curriculum of Higher Education courses. As a development initiative, written from the perspective of an educator of colour, the project uses constructive alignment (Biggs, 2014) to instigate a deeper enquiry-based journey and question perceived differences to enhance students’ academic, personal and professional development. Part of this project, the case study intervention described in this article entitled ‘Tribute’, is a two-pronged live intervention that began in the classroom, migrated into the public domain and became a pedagogic tool of great efficacy. By encouraging open discussions about race and stereotyping in the classroom, whilst tackling assumptions, prejudices and fears, this intervention provoked a sense of curiosity and motivated students to critically reflect on their belief systems.