Redefining inclusive teaching with film, tv and radio.

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Most teaching still relies on text but that’s not how many students learn best anymore. This short course explores what’s changing in learning, why traditional approaches are starting to fall short, and what film, TV and radio can offer as part of a more inclusive, effective way of teaching.
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Why inclusive pedagogy matters

  • Learners are more diverse than ever — but teaching hasn’t caught up

    Over 20% of students in UK higher and further education identify as having a disability, specific learning difference, or mental health condition. Yet most course materials and teaching methods still rely heavily on text-based delivery. Film, tv and radio is essential to close this gap.

  • Students learn better when they see, hear and experience ideas — not just read them

    Evidence shows that combining text, sound and image improves comprehension, recall, and motivation — especially for neurodivergent learners. Using film, TV and radio helps teachers reach students who process information differently, and boosts engagement across all ability levels.

  • Inclusion isn’t just good practice — it’s a professional expectation

    Inclusive teaching and accessibility are embedded in UK sector frameworks which emphasise equity of access and engagement for all learners. Educators are increasingly expected to demonstrate inclusive design in curriculum planning — not as an optional extra, but as core practice.

What do post-16 students have to say?

It stays with me longer

University student

“When I watch clips in class, I actually remember the information — it stays with me longer than when I just read about it.”

It makes it feel relevant

College student

“Film and documentaries help me understand real situations, not just theories. It makes it feel relevant and easier to apply.”

It makes complex topics clearer

University student

“Hearing people’s voices or seeing events happen gives me context I don’t get from text. It makes complex topics clearer.”

It helps me not feel left behind

College student

“I find it easier to focus when we use video or audio because I process things better that way. It helps me not feel left behind.”

TV and radio make lessons feel alive

A level student

“TV and radio make lessons feel alive — like I’m part of something happening now, not just reading about it later.”

What you’ll learn

  • An evidence-informed understanding of today’s learners.

  • Insight into the limitations of text-based teaching approaches.

  • A grounding in inclusive pedagogies.

  • Insight into cognitive processes underpinning learning.

  • A framework for reflecting on and improving your teaching.

  • Access checklists, prompts and inspiration to transform practice.

Course curriculum

    1. Who are we teaching?

    2. Diverse learners summary

    3. RESEARCH TASK | Who are YOU teaching?

    1. The legal and statutory frameworks behind inclusive pedagogy

    2. Universal Design for Learning | A framework for everyone

    3. UDL | Multiple Means of Representation

    4. UDL | Multiple Means of Action & Expression

    5. UDL | Multiple Means of Engagement

    6. REFLECTIVE TASK | Universal Design for Learning

    7. Test your inclusive pedagogy knowledge

    8. TEACHING TASK | Audit your teaching against UDL

    1. Culturally Responsive Pedagogy | Teaching that reflects all learners

    2. CRP | Academic Achievement

    3. CRP | Cultural Competence

    4. CRP | Critical Consciousness

    5. REFLECTIVE TASK | Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

    6. Constructivism | How understanding develops

    7. Constructivism | Examples of practice

    8. Constructivism | Inclusivity

    9. Constructivism | Design approaches

    10. REFLECTIVE TASK | Constructivism

    11. Test your knowledge of CRP and constructivism

    1. What do students say?

    2. What does the global research say?

    3. Multiple Means of Representation in action

    4. Dual coding theory | text

    5. Dual coding theory | audio

    6. Dual coding theory | video

    7. Dual coding theory | visual

    8. Cognitive load theory | text

    9. Cognitive load theory | audio

    10. Cognitive load theory | video

    11. Cognitive load theory | visual

    12. REFLECTIVE TASK | Which lesson formats worked best?

    1. INSPIRATION | Teaching with film, tv and radio

    2. Universal Design for Learning audit checklist

    3. Culturally Responsive Pedagogy audit checklist

    4. Constructivism audit checklist

    5. TEACHING TASK | Audit your current teaching for inclusivity

About this course

  • Free
  • 39 lessons
  • 2 hours of video content

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