Doubtless, learners come from diverse backgrounds. Schools and teachers must take this fact into cognizance in adopting their teaching strategies, approaches and modalities. These would amount to the overall inclusive learning environment which enables a child connect with the classroom and teaching methodologies.
It is common knowledge that our approaches to life are direct reflection of our cultural, social and religious background. In some schools, some learners and teachers do not participate in some school activities due to their religious belief or cultural orientation. Thus, it is important that teachers recognize this, understand and appreciate these individual religious and socio-cultural differences while finding ways to support and engage learners through them.
Inclusive learning also recognizes that all learners are different in capacity, some are physically challenged, some need specific facilities or resources and some need emotional support. It ensures that all learners are supported in their different capacities and treated individually in that manner, through their capacities, background, specific needs, preferences and behaviour. It is an all encompassing learning method that carries all learners along and ensures that they are all included, motivated and valued in their learning process.
Ways to Create an Inclusive and Learning Environment
- Flexible teaching method; This ensures that all learners are actively involved in classes. Different methods and approaches are adopted based on learners need and capacity.
- Motivating learners. Motivation is key in learning. Learners interest and participation need to be boosted by different teaching practices.
- Engaging learners. There are different ways to engage learners for active participation in classes. Learners individual interests need to be harnessed in order to know how best to engage them.
- Be aware of learners differences and similarities. There is diversity in different learners background. These differences need to be observed as well as the similarities which learners have in common. This is to help structure the best learning method to adopt.
- Be willing to offer help and support at all times. This is very essential in order to carry all learners along, for them to be on the same learning pedestal.
- Be observant to recognize learners that are not following or understanding the teaching methods. Teachers must be attentive and discerning to know when a child is not following in classes.
- Discourage negative classroom behaviour. Negative stereotypes should be challenged with immediate effect. Learners must be encouraged to speak out and express their fears or concerns rather than bottling up aggression and acting it which may affect other learners.
- Favouritism should be discouraged. All learners deserve equal treatment. Some learners feel withdrawn when they notice that their teacher favours others more than them and this tend to affect their class performance.
- Learners with special needs like physically challenged, visually impaired, dyslexic etc should be given special attention and their learning materials/methods be made easy for them to be carried along.
- Different learning preferences should be addressed using different activities, group study, interactive sessions etc. This will enable learners to share ideas, contribute and participate fully in classroom activities.
Inclusive teaching and learning is very essential and beneficial to learners, teachers as well as to the educational organisations. It creates a positive teaching environment that motivates learners, encourages equality and sustains class engagement at all times.
It is the right of every learner to have a conducive learning environment, treated equitably, have equal rights with other learners and be valued and supported in their learning. These entitlement to a learners learning experience must be recognised and practiced by all teachers and schools through Inclusive teaching. Thus, General Education Teachers (GEN) and Special Education Teachers (SEN) must work collaboratively to ensure that pupils have the best academic experience.
Amara Ann Unachukwu
