The student body in higher education institutions is diverse in many respects. Students’ educational paths – how and at what stage of life they enter higher education – vary considerably. In addition, many students belong to minority groups, such as ethnic, gender, linguistic or sexual orientation minorities. According to Opiskelijabarometri 2016 (Student Barometer), 25% of students identify as being part of one or more minority groups.
Acknowledging diversity in education is important not only in the content of teaching but also in teaching arrangements, guidance and other interactions. In this context, diversity does not refer to the traditional concept of different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic), as this is now considered outdated and even partly mythical (see, for example, Niemivirta, 2015; Virkkula, 2018). Instead, addressing the diversity of students may involve considerations such as mental or physical limitations, learning challenges, ethnic background, language, prior knowledge or individual circumstances. From a broad perspective, diversity encompasses everything from pedagogical solutions to individual arrangements and teaching methods.
The themes of accessibility and multiculturalism are discussed further on separate subpages of his website.
Positive discrimination
Positive discrimination, or positive special treatment, refers to measures aimed at improving the status and conditions of a particular group to ensure genuine equality. The concept of positive special treatment was introduced into legislation in 1999 as part of constitutional reform. According to the explanatory memorandum, its purpose was to secure both traditional legal non-discrimination and genuine social equality. (Finnish Non-discrimination Act 1325/2014).
Learning difficulties
University students may experience a range of learning difficulties. One of the most common is dyslexia, a reading and writing disorder. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conditions such as Asperger syndrome can also present extra challenges.
These difficulties often go unnoticed, as people may find it hard to believe that students admitted to higher education could have learning difficulties. However, many students are diverse learners who must work harder to succeed and may require support or individual study arrangements. In the context of studying, accessibility means ensuring that students have equal opportunities to study as far as possible despite learning difficulties or disability-related limitations.
Inclusion
Inclusion refers to the right of disabled individuals to participate in shared communities instead of being placed in separate service systems. The goal of education is to meet the needs of all learners, which benefits every student, whether or not they have a diagnosed disability.