Finding Space
Finding Space
Podcast Description
A podcast where UC Berkeley students, educators, and staff from the disability community tell their stories and call the campus community in on acts of advocacy and disability justice.
Share your feedback: [email protected]
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast centers on themes of disability justice, advocacy, and inclusive practices in higher education, featuring episodes like one with Carmen Varela discussing the importance of the UC Berkeley Disabled Students' Program and how faculty can better support students needing accommodations.
A podcast where UC Berkeley students, educators, and staff from the disability community tell their stories and call the campus community in on acts of advocacy and disability justice.
Share your feedback: [email protected]
What if every student had a real chance to succeed—without lowering academic standards?
In this episode of Finding Space, Professor Dan Garcia from UC Berkeley’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences department explores his dream for Berkeley: a university where all students can bring their authentic selves and thrive.
After 20 years in the classroom, Dan began rethinking traditional grading practices—deeply inspired by the book Grading for Growth. His shift toward more equitable, student-centered approaches led to the adoption of strategies like absolute grading, flexible deadlines, and exam retakes. These changes are designed to support all students, particularly disabled and neurodivergent learners, while still emphasizing academic mastery.
This conversation challenges us to imagine a more inclusive university—one where learning is continuous, failure is not final, and success is accessible.
Tune in to learn:
Why grading on a curve can harm equity
How “A’s for All (as time and interest allow)” reframes student success
Practical, flexible grading policies that support diverse learners
Why universal design principles benefit all students—not just some
Review transcripts on our show webpage.
Share your feedback with us at [email protected].
Finding Space is brought to you by Research Teaching, and Learning (RTL) in UC Berkeley's Division of Undergraduate Education.
Disclaimer
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