Co-creating diversity and inclusion training resources for delivery to staff and learners on Teagasc further education and training courses

This project employs Participatory Action Research (PAR) to co-create a diversity and inclusion training resource with staff, and to pilot and evaluate its effectiveness with learners in Teagasc further education and training courses. This initiative aligns with the 2018-2022 Teagasc People Strategy and the 2021-2024 Teagasc Statement of Strategy highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion within Teagasc education. This project builds directly upon two previous MAIS projects on diversity and inclusion in agricultural education which indicate that staff and learners would benefit from bespoke training resources. Diversity and inclusiveness training should help our students to be prepared for the increasingly diverse world when they graduate. It should also help ensure that Teagasc education attracts a student body that is diverse in terms of gender, race, age, ability, and sexual orientation. PAR was the overall methodological approach. The researcher established a staff working group at Ballyhaise Agricultural College and facilitated meetings to identify priority issues and explore options. This process led to the development and delivery of a pilot training initiative, which was a dignity and respect workshop for students. Throughout the process, notes and observations were made, and a reflective journal was kept by the researcher. Students were surveyed following the workshops and the working group staff reflected on workshop effectiveness. The main diversity challenges are accessibility, minority representation, gender bias, and support for students with disabilities. A working group designed and developed a dignity and respect workshop, using case studies to engage students. The group members facilitated the pilot workshops. Post-workshop evaluation and student surveys showed strong student engagement, relevance to real-world scenarios, and valuable insights for staff development. Themes from researchers' reflections included trust-building, facilitation challenges, group dynamics, emotional responses, and the success of interactive methods. Overall, the workshops increased awareness of diversity and inclusion, promoted practical skills, and promoted meaningful staff-student connections, achieving positive outcomes for all participants. This process has the potential to be replicated and adapted in other agricultural colleges and for additional topics, provided it is supported by thorough planning and skilled facilitation.