A Harvard scholar whose work focuses on creating vibrant, inclusive and equitable learning environments will deliver a public talk at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) on March 6.
Dr. Liya Escalera will present “Asset-Based Approaches to Student Success” as part of the Provost Presents speaker series at KPU Surrey.
Escalera is the Higher Education Concentration Faculty Chair at the Harvard Graduate School of Education whose work is grounded in advancing access and equity in higher education. She focuses on the design and assessment of asset-based learning environments that value the strengths and ways of knowing of learners.
Asset-based approaches intentionally shift from a deficit-based model that focuses on what students lack, to a strengths-based model that values what students bring. The interactive keynote will invite participants to reimagine student success through this asset-based lens.
“Implementing asset-based approaches are important not simply to make students feel good or to mask the complex challenges many minoritized, first-generation and/or low-income students face,” says Escalera.
“Rather, I see in the research and in my practice, that an asset-based approach is the straightest line to the deepest learning, engagement and success. Critical reflection on our personal and institutional habits to adopt deficit-based perspectives can help us transcend unproductive habits, and in doing so, move us toward asset-based models that are more likely to result in effective interventions and advance equity.”
The Provost Presents speaker series is hosted by Dr. Diane Purvey, Provost and Vice-President, Academic at KPU, and brings together experts in higher education to discuss timely and compelling issues in academia.
“Asset-Based Approaches to Student Success” takes place Friday, March 6, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Spruce Atrium at KPU Surrey, 12666 72 Ave. The event is open to all KPU students and employees, and the general public. Guests are asked to register in advance.