Towards Inclusive Excellence: A Case Study in Engineering

Abstract

The United States is projected to shift to a majority-minority country by 2050. The 2020 census shows rapid growth of the minority population, driving a diversity explosion according to noted demographer William Frey. College enrollment is reflecting the demographic trend with an increasingly diverse student population. Learners from different backgrounds and experience bring varied educational needs as well as strengths. This paper presents how an online graduate engineering course implemented strategies to meet different needs and harnessed diverse strengths to promote learner engagement and interaction towards inclusive excellence. The case study confirms the imperative to align instructional objectives with professional discipline outcomes and societal goals to be more effective in advancing student success as well as social cohesion.