In an increasingly divided world, Dragana J. Ramsden celebrates City Lit’s commitment to inclusion — and the tutors who put it at the centre of their teaching.
Facilitating a training session for a group of tutors can feel daunting. You may find yourself worrying about the reactions of the teaching experts to the flow of your classroom activities, the clarity of your instructions, the readability of your slides. I know I have been there myself when I started delivering a series of training sessions to City Lit tutors on promoting inclusion in the classroom.
My fears turned out to be unfounded, as I was more inspired than I could ever have imagined. After each session, I felt moved by the tutors’ thoughtful contributions and their genuine care for each other and their students. And yes, they gave me clear and helpful feedback on my slides and instructions. However, what really stood out was their commitment to teaching — not just to sharing their knowledge and passion for their subject, but to making every student feel genuinely seen and valued. Teaching is a relationship guided by both the heart and the mind.
As we experience increasingly divisive political and media narratives, it’s important to spotlight the moments and people that remind us of our shared humanity. So, to celebrate the new academic year, I want us to take a moment to honour our tutors at City Lit. Whether you're part of the City Lit community or simply passionate about lifelong learning, this blog will share three insights into the inclusive practices and values that shape our approach to teaching.
Inclusion starts with meeting people where they are
City Lit tutors make an ongoing effort to appreciate and take account of each student’s unique experiences and circumstances. They work hard to understand the motivation that brings a student into their class, find out about their previous experience in the subject, and identify any support they may need in their learning. To bring the best out in everyone, tutors work hard to make their teaching meaningful and connected to each individual’s contexts and goals.
This might mean creating course materials that reflect global and intersectional perspectives or inviting students to share their own experiences of a topic. It could also mean simplifying specialist language so it’s easier to understand, even if you didn’t grow up speaking English. Tutors might also rearrange seating to accommodate disabled students or break down complex tasks to help ease anxiety for those who have been out of the classroom for a while.
Each group of students brings fresh inspiration, often challenging tutors to be imaginative in how they make learning accessible to all. Many tutors have told me that true equality in the classroom begins with equity, in other words, proactively creating spaces for every student to feel seen and valued for who they are.
Tutors set the tone for inclusion in the classroom
City Lit tutors feel a strong sense of responsibility for creating an inclusive and respectful tone early in their students’ journey. Conveying to students that their perspectives and backgrounds are valued makes everyone feel more confident about engaging in learning. To set the tone for an inclusive atmosphere, many tutors often begin their courses by agreeing on shared ways of working with their students. This promotes mutual respect and care for each other.
Our tutors understand that establishing agreed ways of working helps everyone to take responsibility, not just for their own actions, but for each other’s well-being. However, this kind of responsibility takes practice: it means encouraging students to think critically, be curious about different perspectives, and be willing to learn from each other. It also involves practising attentive listening and learning to disagree respectfully, without dehumanising others.
City tutors recognise that a diversity of identities, opinions and experiences in a classroom can be beneficial to all, and they work hard to build on these benefits. Research tells us that diversity can lead to better decisions, as it introduces fresh perspectives that may not have previously been considered. It can also prompt others to challenge their own biases or consider alternative viewpoints. All of this can lead to a better understanding of complex issues and build stronger connections between us.
Yes, we know that building an inclusive environment can involve mistakes and misunderstandings — that’s just part of the process. Yet what really matters is how we respond to issues as they arise. Our tutors create classrooms where mistakes and misunderstandings are seen as opportunities to reflect and grow — to take a moment, learn from it, and try again.
Inclusion is an ongoing journey of learning and care
Creating a learning environment where personal choice and mutual respect guide every interaction takes ongoing effort. It doesn’t happen by accident, it requires intention. As one tutor puts it: “It’s not about being perfect, but about being open, reflective, and willing to learn.” City Lit tutors take the time to see each student as a whole person, recognising the unique experiences that shape who they are.
We know that the world can feel fast-paced and divided, especially around issues like immigration and identity. While our tutors can’t change what’s going on outside the classroom, they can shape what happens inside it. Small, ongoing acts of care and understanding make a difference.
There is space for everyone at City Lit, so if you’ve ever felt the impact of division or struggled to have your experiences of discrimination acknowledged, our community will provide you a welcoming space. Inclusion is at the heart of our mission to enrich lives through learning, meaning we believe that every student should feel seen and valued. Creating a culture of inclusion is a shared responsibility that supports everyone’s growth, well-being, and participation in society.
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