University of Oslo

When we decided to develop the learning environment at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Oslo, we had an exciting challenge before us – how to get the students and faculty to get to know each other and themselves better.

Our goal was to create a culture of sharing, where openness, dialog and understanding between all parties involved would stand high. It was important for us to find a tool that would work across different interest groups, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, genders and ages. It was also important that the tool was easy to administer and – not withstanding – fun to use for facilitators. After probing the market and testing various tools, we arrived at a conclusion that the Diversity Icebreaker is the most optimal tool for our work.

 We have so far used DI for over 7000 students/faculty members and have observed its immediately positive and crucial effect – both short and long-term. Participants of our workshops experience an instant benefit and joy. From creating an educational environment point of view, we also see that the tool has contributed positively to awareness around personality, belonging, learning styles, collaboration and communication. In a way, DI has become a leitmotif connecting learning and developmental activities throughout our two-days long workshops we conduct for all our new students.

Ilan Dehli Villanger and Linda Therese Sørensen Westgaard

The ForVei project at the MatNat Faculty, University of Oslo, Norway. https://www.mn.uio.no/studier/forvei/