Practical-based activities

If your teaching involves practical activities within your institution (e.g. lab work, studio or workshop activities), or field work at an external site, check your knowledge on the following points.

• Does your institutional health and safety policy and procedures cover practical teaching activities?
• Have risk assessments been carried out that relate to the practical teaching activities that you are involved in?
• Does your institution have an emergency evacuation procedure that takes into account the needs of students and staff working in practical areas?

For each of these questions, consider the following.

• Are issues relating to disabled students covered?
• Do you feel that they are adequately covered and are non-discriminatory?

If you feel that certain areas relating to disabled students undertaking practical work are inadequately or improperly covered, what action could you take?

Area to check

• Inclusive teaching - Learning environments - Practical environments

1. Using these resources
2. Staff development
   1. People's assumptions
   2. Communicating effectively
   3. Use of language
   4. Providing individual support
   5. Accessible learning materials
   6. Encouraging self-esteem
   7. Barriers in an environment
   8. Group work
   9. Practical-based activities
   10. Assessment
   11. Alternative assessment
   12. Procedures for communicating with academic staff
   13. Facilitating disclosure
   14. Disability Discrimination Act: Your responsibilities
   15. Finding out about your institution
   16. Recording your personal development
3. Help
4. Site customisation