Enhancing Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Placement Learning.

Creating Conditions for Success: Enhancing Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Placement Learning.

Galway University Practice Teachers Conference, Thursday 24th September 2025. The Connaught Hotel. Galway.

Organised by: Eleanor Kelly, MSW Practice Learning Coordinator, University of Galway.

This event is supported by funding from HSCP National Office.

Summary

Practice learning is a cornerstone of professional education, shaping students’ confidence, competence and professional identity. This free interactive workshop is facilitated by Prospera Tedam and Oluromade Olusa. The seminar invites practice educators to explore how culturally responsive supervision can create more inclusive, supportive and effective learning environments for all students

In this session participants will be encouraged to :

1. Critically reflect on the influence of intersectional identities, experiences, power and privilege within placement learning relationships and supervision processes.

2. Apply culturally responsive supervision approaches to enhance student engagement, belonging, professional development and learning outcomes.

3. Identify and implement practical strategies to create inclusive placement learning environments that support fair and equitable assessment of diverse learners.

Bios

Professor Prospera Tedam is Professor of Social Work and Head of Subject at University College Dublin. She began her academic career in 2006 after working as a Principal Social Worker in Children and Families Services in Northamptonshire, UK. Before joining UCD, she served as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Wellbeing at the United Arab Emirates University for six years. Her research focuses on anti-oppressive practice, culturally responsive social work, practice learning and school social work. She is the author of the award-winning Anti-Oppressive Social Work. She also co-developed the Anti-Oppressive Practice Cards with Siobhan Maclean to support reflective supervision and practice learning.

Dr Oluromade Olusa is a Principal Social Worker with the HSE Disability Service Dublin and South East, and an occasional lecturer in Maynooth University and Trinity College. With a career deeply rooted in advancing equity in social work practice and education, her doctoral research on the experiences of Black African social workers in Ireland explored racial equity, belonging and professional identity in social work. She developed a practice-teaching framework grounded in the Ubuntu philosophy, offering a culturally responsive approach that addresses racial, social, and spatial inequalities and supports Black social work students during practice placements. Dr Olusa’s work bridges practice, education, and policy, with an emphasis on strengthening learning environments, supporting inclusive student experiences, and contributing practical guidance and strategies for working with students.

REGISTRATION 9.30 for 10am start.