highlights how structured choice, retrieval practice, and scaffolded digital projects support all learners, particularly first-generation and underrepresented students. Participants will leave with concrete strategies for lowering barriers to participation, increasing student agency, and building transferable skills without sacrificing disciplinary rigor
Session Objectives:
1. Identify design strategies for embedding digital skill development into large introductory courses without increasing cognitive load or disadvantaging students with limited prior experience.
2. Describe inclusive course structures( project-based work, retrieval practice, and flexible pathways) that support students with diverse academic preparation, learning needs, and career goals.
3. Adapt elements of the Digital Intro model to their own institutional contexts, disciplines, and student populations.
Theme:
• Instructional strategies for supporting learner success
Audience:
• PK-12 teachers
• Higher education faculty and administrators
Presenters: Lisa Dierker, PhD, Wesleyan University Lau Perez Maquedano, Wesleyan University
Presenter Biography: Dr. Lisa Dierker is the Walter Crowell University Professor of Social Sciences and Professor of Psychology at Wesleyan University. Her work focuses on innovative, project-based learning and adaptive retrieval practices to strengthen durable knowledge and digital workforce skills. She is the creator of Passion-Driven Statistics and leads NSF-funded initiatives integrating data science, technology, and inclusive pedagogy into large introductory courses. Her research bridges psychology, education, and technology, with a commitment to empowering students to create meaningful, realworld work.
Lau Maquedano is a Basque Film Director, Producer, and Editor whose passion for storytelling began in childhood. A published author at 12, Lau wrote The Lost Turtle( Aizkorri, 2013) and The Poor Cactus( EC. O Ediciones Cívicas, 2015). Their interests in writing, painting, and theater led them to study Film at Wesleyan University( 2020). Lau has since worked in production and postproduction across New York City, Los Angeles, and Madrid, while directing and producing independent short films.
2.3 Challenging the Status Quo: Creating Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy in Undergraduate and Graduate Courses
Session Description: This session examines how culturally sustaining pedagogy( CSP) can be intentionally integrated into undergraduate and graduate courses to foster equity, relevance, and belonging. Leveraging current research and classroom practices, this presentation highlights approaches that honor students’ linguistic, cultural, and community assets while challenging deficit-based models of learning.