Designing for diversity: Inclusive Strategies in Nursing Education

Rebecca Caulfield

Aim/Objective: The development of a new undergraduate nursing curriculum provided an opportunity to integrate innovative, activity-based learning strategies designed to enhance student engagement and support diverse learning needs. A key focus was the intentional inclusion of structured challenge levels and embedded support mechanisms to accommodate neurodivergent learners, ensuring accessibility and optimising knowledge retention. To evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies, a pilot session— the Airway Olympics—was conducted, using gamification and universal design principles to create an inclusive and engaging learning experience. Methods: The Airway Olympics was designed as a hands-on learning activity focused on airway management skills. Gamification elements, including progressive challenge levels, real-time feedback, and team-based problem-solving, were integrated to enhance motivation and engagement. Universal design principles were embedded to ensure accessibility, including clear task structuring, multimodal content delivery, and flexible participation options. The pilot session was conducted with current undergraduate nursing students, with targeted data collection from neurodivergent learners to assess the effectiveness of the design in supporting cognitive processing, engagement, and knowledge retention. Results: Preliminary findings indicate that the Airway Olympics was highly engaging and effective in reinforcing airway management concepts. Students reported increased motivation, improved skill retention, and enhanced teamwork. Neurodivergent learners highlighted the benefits of predictable structures, sensory-friendly adaptations, and scaffolded challenge levels, which supported their learning needs. Key themes included the importance of clear instructions, the role of peer motivation, and the need for adaptable participation options. Conclusion: Gamification and universal design principles can enhance engagement and accessibility in nursing education. The success of the Airway Olympics highlights the value of integrating structured challenge levels and inclusive learning strategies into curriculum design to support neurodivergent learners. These findings provide insights for developing more effective and inclusive educational experiences in nursing programs.

Designing for diversity: Inclusive Strategies in Nursing Education

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