Tutorials and lectures: Communication and student voice

Deliver information clearly and offer multiple participation modes so every student can access, process, and share ideas⁸.

Make messages clear and accessible

• Always use a lapel microphone and record the session to support auditory access and review.
• Define every new technical term verbally and on-screen, adding context and examples.
• Use literal, direct language; avoid irony and idioms that may be misinterpreted

Provide multiple ways for students to participate

• Offer diverse question channels: hand-raise, live polls online, or forum.
• Build in pauses after asking questions to allow processing time.
• Use Think-Pair-Share : silent thinking, partner discussion, then whole-class sharing

Create a responsive and respectful culture

• Encourage and affirm all questions to normalise curiosity.
• Use an anonymous exit poll (“What was the muddiest point?”) and explain how feedback will inform future sessions.

Why it matters—Varied, bias-aware communication satisfies UDL’s Representation and Action & Expression guidelines, ensuring students feel heard and supported while reducing misread neurodivergent cues

Downloads and links

• Communication Checklist
• Exit-Poll Question Bank

REFERENCES