How can we achieve diversity-sensitive teaching? What barriers hinder participation in everyday university life? And how can inclusive teaching approaches be implemented in practice? Answers to these questions will be provided at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences’ Teaching Day on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, starting at 1:00 p.m. at Kloster Bernburg (Building 27 - Bernburg).
Under the motto “Small Steps – Big Impact,” the day will focus on the topics of diversity and accessibility in teaching. Instructors and students are cordially invited to explore these topics together through academic presentations and interactive workshops. The goal is to develop new, diversity-sensitive, and accessible teaching concepts—in a co-creative, participatory, and practical manner. What makes this event special: The concepts will be developed directly during the event and then presented in short pitches. The audience will then decide which ideas will be awarded prize money for implementation.
From Accessibility to Equal Opportunity
Following the opening remarks by the university president, Professor Jörg Bagdahn, and a presentation on “Diversity (Competence) and Its Significance for Higher Education,” participants can look forward to two workshop sessions with a wide range of offerings: The Center of Excellence for Inclusive Education focuses on barriers faced by people with disabilities in everyday university and work life. One workshop invites participants to recognize unconscious biases and act in a way that ensures equal opportunities. Other topics include transparent and respectful ways to conclude teaching sessions, building trusting relationships between instructors and students, and first steps toward designing inclusive teaching and learning environments.
Ideas Competition and Awards Ceremony
Following the workshops, participants will have time to prepare their ideas for the competition. After a networking break, they will present their concepts in elevator pitches—short, concise, and compelling. The best ideas will be honored with the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences Teaching Award and prize money to support their implementation. For the first time, the Equality Award will also be presented at the Day of Teaching. With these awards, the university recognizes exceptional commitment to good teaching, equal opportunity, and equality.
Teaching Day is aimed at all instructors and students who wish to work together to develop new approaches to inclusive, diverse, and accessible higher education. Anhalt University of Applied Sciences would like to make it possible for all interested parties to participate in Teaching Day. The contact person is Dr. Beata Walter (email: beata.walter@hs-anhalt.de). She is happy to answer any questions and provide support.
