Rethinking Participation in International Classrooms

As university classrooms become more international, creating spaces where all students feel safe and encouraged to participate is both more important and more challenging. In an era of growing concerns about free speech and increasing pressure on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, it’s crucial to reflect on how we can foster open and respectful dialogue in everyday academic settings.

This 1.5-hour interactive workshop brings together two presentations and a facilitated group discussion to explore the everyday realities of learning and participation in classrooms where diversity and inclusion are promoted as core values—but not always experienced as such.

What will you gain from this session?

• A better understanding of how cultural norms, communication styles, and dominant perspectives can shape classroom dynamics;

• Tools and ideas for making space for diverse voices;

• Insight into the role educators and students can play in creating more inclusive, engaging learning environments;

• The opportunity to share your own experiences and help shape a shared vision for participation at our university.

These insights will form the basis for an open dialogue on what helps students feel safe to learn, speak, and be heard. Together, we will reflect on how to make more intentional space for all voices—especially those that are often overlooked or unheard—and consider the educator’s role in cultivating inclusive classroom dynamics. Participants are warmly invited to share their own experiences and help co-create a vision for more open, engaging, and equitable learning environments at our university. Insights from the discussion will be compiled into a short report and shared widely, including via the SIG International Classroom website.

Note: (Research) Master’s students enrolled in the Department of Child Development and Education can receive Academy Attendance credit for participating. Please make sure to scan the QR code provided by Dr. Hülya Altinyelken during the session.

The speakers

Daphne Linssen | Research Master’s student

Drawing from her research on barriers faced by (international) students in academic dialogue, Daphne Linssen will discuss how dominant norms—such as Eurocentric frameworks, culturally specific communication styles, or politically homogeneous perspectives—can discourage dissent and silence alternative viewpoints.

Guido de Wilde | Manager, International Student Affairs

Guido de Wilde will engage the audience in exploring culture mapping as a practical tool for understanding diverse participation styles and for uncovering hidden cultural assumptions that shape classroom interactions.