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Project

Thinking out Loud

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Thinking out Loud

How can we ensure that all voices are heard in education and research? And how can we make room for different ways of knowing and learning? Thinking Out Loud is an initiative of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS) in which students, lecturers, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders come together to seek answers to these questions. The project focuses on strengthening knowledge sharing about diversity, inclusion, and epistemic justice. In other words: Who determines what knowledge counts? By creating space for exchange and tension, we are working together to create an inclusive and equitable university of applied sciences.

Reason

In 2022, the AUAS Diversity & Inclusion ambition table determined that knowledge about this theme is not always clearly visible, usable, or shared—even though it is essential for academic success and equal opportunities. A follow-up study in 2023 revealed that there are areas of tension within the AUAS, such as:

  • Safety versus discomfort.
  • Experiential knowledge versus scientific knowledge.
  • Top-down policy versus bottom-up involvement.

Thinking Out Loud does not work around these tensions, but rather with them. Because that is where the space for change arises. As the Centre of Expertise for Just City(opens in new window), we are closely involved with the project. Thinking Out Loud's approach is in line with Fainstein's Theory of Change, one of our guiding principles (Fainstein, S. S. (2010). The just city. Cornell University Press).

Change begins with recognizing tensions and bringing together different perspectives. By bringing together disciplines, backgrounds, and experiences, we seek new forms of knowledge and collaboration.

Why this project? 

A follow-up study by the Diversity and Inclusion ambition table in 2023 revealed two important findings:

  1. Existing knowledge must become more visible and usable.
  2. The diversity and inclusion landscape at the university of applied sciences is characterized by a series of tensions. These include navigating between safety and discomfort, balancing experiential knowledge and academic knowledge, and coordinating top-down leadership with bottom-up participation.

Addressing these dynamics is crucial to embedding diversity and inclusion in a meaningful and equitable way throughout the institution.

Some quotes from this Preliminary Research on Knowledge Development Diversity and Inclusion (2023):

“Inclusion is also about racism. And that's not: ‘Oh, you're welcome here, oh how nice’. But it's also about exclusion and wanting to exclude others, and about injustice.”

"Some people say: ‘Diversity and inclusion, an important theme’. But they have never experienced feeling excluded or not really welcome in the classroom. "

“The time to have the real conversation, the dialogue, is seen as scarce; [people say] that as long as we [as researchers] are there, things will be fine, but as soon as we leave, you know that it will immediately come under pressure again. Whereas diversity and inclusion are precisely the topics where you need to step out of the madness of everyday life from time to time.”

Activities

  • Annual symposia in which justice, diversity, and inclusion are openly explored.

  • Online meetings to connect with each other and expand our community.

  • Reading and writing groups -called “writing care”- where difficult topics in research on justice, diversity, and inclusion can be discussed safely and courageously.

  • Annual grant applications to support further development and knowledge sharing.

By creating reflective, critical spaces, Thinking Out Loud promotes inclusive dialogue and co-creation of knowledge.

Social impact

The project contributes to a more equitable academic environment by amplifying unheard voices and encouraging inclusive institutional change. It promotes a culture in which multiple ways of knowing are recognized and valued, laying the foundation for deeper engagement of multiple stakeholders (e.g., researchers, teachers, students) and systemic reforms.

Contribution to education and research

Thinking Out Loud contributes to research by exploring the epistemological foundations of justice and inclusion. It improves education through inclusive pedagogical practices and the direct involvement of students and staff in dialogue, reflection and co-creation of knowledge, linking lived experiences with academic research.

Research team

Involved from the AUAS

External partners

  • Citizenship Research Group

  • International partners (EU Fundraising & Consortium Building)

Location

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

Funding

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

Contact

Interested in participating or learning more? Please contact  Asis Aynan