Policies and legislation have set the standard for an inclusive education system that values all students, regardless of difference. As a preservice teacher about to enter into the teaching profession it will be my responsibility to cultivate optimum teaching and learning experiences that will support all students’ social, emotional and academic development. Whilst this task does seem daunting and challenging, it is also exciting to be one of the many pioneers who will contribute to an educational reform, resulting in the ideal of inclusive education.
Within my classroom there may be learners who are: visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically disabled, ADHD, ASD, bereaved, affected by trauma, or gifted and talented, only to name a few considerations. How will it be possible for me to provide access to learning that will enhance social, emotional and academic development for every student within my classroom? This paper will discuss ways that the teacher may set up the learning environment to maximise teaching and learning, highlighting some potential advantages and difficulties of implementing such practices as a new teacher.
Firstly, it is important that during planning I consider what it is all students need to learn and the best teaching and learning strategies available to deliver this content. It is argued by van Kraayenoord & Elkins (2009) that teachers should initially design and plan inclusive curricula, instruction and assessment using the concept of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This concept takes into account that all students are unique and have various strengths, weaknesses, and interests. However, rather than the teacher adapting curriculum to specific individual’s needs during planning the t...
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...n successful design of the inclusive class. As a new teacher setting up the learning environment using the described strategies will have its difficulties. However in order to alleviate any fears I possess it is important that I become familiar with existing practices of successful differentiated instruction, engage in professional development and discussions, build relationships within the class and beyond the school. In addition to this, one of the most important practices for me as a teacher is that of reflection. As a new teacher I am sure I will make mistakes, but it is what I learn from these mistakes that will make all of the difference for my teaching and students learning. The advantages of setting up the learning environment using such strategies will be obvious in the successful social, emotional and academic development of all students within my class.
The first Australian Professional Teaching Standard is ‘Know students and how they learn’(AITSL, 2011). Understanding how students learn is a significant component of effective teaching (1.2 AITSL, 2011). Furthermore, effective teachers require an understanding of students physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics (1.1 AITSL, 2011). In addition, APST Standards require teachers to demonstrate both content and pedagogical knowledge through lesson plans (2.1 AITSL, 2011) with the curriculum content being structured and sequenced to facilitate effective learning (2.2 AITSL, 2011). However, it is also critical to have a repertoire of teaching strategies which are responsive to a diverse range of student backgrounds, including linguistic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic (1.3 AITSL, 2011). An effective learning, in accordance with The Australian Curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority, provides learners with general capabilities (knowledge, skills, behaviours and characteristics) and include understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island students learning needs and incorporate differentiated teaching methods to meet the needs of specific
Sands, D., Kozleski, E., & French, N. (2000). Inclusive education for the 21st century: A new
What do we do with children with disabilities in the public school? Do we include them in the general education class with the “regular” learning population or do we separate them to learn in a special environment more suited to their needs? The problem is many people have argued what is most effective, full inclusion where students with all ranges of disabilities are included in regular education classes for the entire day, or partial inclusion where children spend part of their day in a regular education setting and the rest of the day in a special education or resource class for the opportunity to work in a smaller group setting on specific needs. The need for care for children with identified disabilities both physical and learning continues to grow and the controversy continues.
The movement for inclusion in education has advanced since the years of special schools for children with disabilities. Although there have been significant changes to the laws protecting the rights of children with disabilities there remains an underlying debate as to whether these children should be in main stream classes. Most states and territories in Australia practice inclusive education, however this remains a contentious topic with differing attitudes. It is evident whilst many challenges remain, schools should implement and deliver quality programs that reflect best practice policies. Positive teacher attitudes, promoting diversity, modelling inclusion in the classroom and developing a sense of community by working in partnerships
Peterson, J. Michael and Hittie, Marie Michael. Inclusive Teaching : Creating Effective Schools for All Learners. Pearson Publishing. (2003)
Retrieved Feb 6, 2010 from http://www.newsforparents.org/experts_. Inclusion_pros_cons.html Villa, Richard A., Thousand, Jacqueline S. (1995). Creating an inclusive school environment. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Card, Toby.
Slee (2001) argues that inclusive schooling demands schools to recognise all types of difference from disabilities, ethnicity, gender, class and sexuality. Furthermore, he challenges schools to accept difference, to encourage and promote flexibility thus benefiting not only the curriculum and pedagogy, but the community and students themselves (Slee, 2001).
In this essay I will reflect upon the inclusive learning environment, i intend on reflecting this by researching, reading, extending my own knowledge and a recent exemplar visit. The main issues i have chosen to cover throughout this essay are inclusion, children’s learning and the environment. Issues i will also cover are Special Educational Needs (SEN), Every Child Matters (EMC), Diversity and legislations. I intend on doing this by arguing, analyzing and discussing the inclusive learning environment. Inclusive learning environments can be varied from the school environment to the home environment. Both having a significant impact to a child’s learning. The environment within schools needs to be stimulating, creative and enjoyable for all children to learn in. Effective classroom organization, interaction between both staff and children are essential to the inclusive learning environment.
The importance of having a curriculum that accommodates diverse learners, it allows the child to learn at their own level or ability. A child with emotional and intellectual challenges may not have the verbal or comprehension skills or the ability to control their body as their peers. With this in mind, classes with diverse learners can excel with an adjusted curriculum. An activity for example, using large Legos to teach the entire class their colors or numbers can help the intellectual challenge by asking to build a building by using on certain colors or amounts. By doing this activity the students can have fun and learn at the same time with using very little words. Also in a group activity the emoti...
Instruction. These two strategies are approaches that address classroom diversity in general education settings, and inclusion classroom settings. The idea of UDL is that instructional lessons, strategies, and assessments are planned with supports, which are more likely to be well-suited for students with special needs. The supports minimize the need for adaptations at a later time. Properly designed classrooms require fewer adaptations for students with special needs, is an ass...
“The universal design for learning involves the conscious and deliberate planning of lessons and outcomes that allow all students access to and participation in the same curricula.” (Ashman & Elkins, 2008, p. 248) When curricula, instruction and assessment are designed using UDL students are offered various approaches of; presentation, expression, and engagement (who, what and why of learning). Using the UDL teachers must allow students to present information and content in different ways, differentiate the ways that students can express what they know, and stimulate interest, engagement and motivation for learning. (Ashman & Elkins, 2...
Education systems and services are integral to setting up a learning environment that maximises teaching and learning. I agree with Munro (2009) that being aware of what services, programs and support staff are available will be of great benefit to the learning environment, students and professional learning. I believe that adopting individual education plans, students learning profiles and modifying the curriculum can reduce the concern that some researches express that students are still being segregated from the classroom environment due to their “special learning needs”. These concerns are reduced by developing practices and adaptions that promote inclusion. I also believe that it allows for continual monitoring of students learning and progress and encourages critical reflection of teaching practices. Material and human resources that education systems provide encourage further professional development and practical ways to make adjustments and adaptions to classroom practices. I believe with the support of these systems inclusive education can be integrated seamlessly into my daily practice.
“What does inclusive education mean for me as a teacher in 2014 and beyond? “
As a teacher it is important if not crucial to create a safe learning environment for students, especially students with disabilities. Most schools implement many services that are available in order to support students with mild-extreme disabilities without excluding them from the other students. The ‘least restrictive environment’ (educational psychology for learning and teaching) is an environment that is close to what students without disabilities learn in. However, depending on the severity of the disability, after school classes or sessions may be required. Depending on the primary school year level, some students may not even be aware that their fellow peer has a disability if the student has not been singled out as being disabled. To engage behavioural or disabled students in learning a good strategy is to accompany the main teacher with a teacher aide. In a class of 25 or so students, one teacher is not able to get around to each student individually. One-on-one interaction with student and teacher is highly beneficial with certain students. So, by having a teacher aide in the classroom the main teacher can work with the students who are able to work more independently
Prior to Introduction to Inclusive Education, I viewed people with disabilities from the separation perspective. They were the obvious group of individuals, the people motioning down the street with canes, walking with obedient guide dogs, parking within the blue lines, sitting in the reserved seats at the front of the bus, staring in the designated section to see the sign language interpretation, and the people who simply didn’t blend in with the rest. People with disabilities were different and incapable to perform like others; or if they could perform, they needed assistance at all times. I held this viewpoint, not because I wanted to, but because society played a critical role in my outlook.