Lesson 6: How Can I Create an Inclusive Learning Space?
Contents
1 Steps to Take
2 Benefits of Inclusion
3 IDEA
4 Principles of Inclusivity
5 Educational Video
6 Writing Prompt
What are the steps to create an inclusive classroom environment?
(1) Get to know your students
Work hard to understand the unique cultural backgrounds and past experiences of your students. This way students will feel safe enough to share their life stories with peers and feel a strong sense of belonging in the classroom.
(2) Understand the unique learning preferences of students
Learn what engages and motivates your students. Consider handing out a questionnaire at the beginning of the school year where students can let you know what excites them about learning. This will better help you understand the academic strengths and weaknesses of your students. Later on, your can incorporate these findings into your lesson plan to guide effective instruction for students.
(3) Promote positivity & accountability
Set clear expectations for your students and emphasize the importance of accountability. Have students be a part of the rule creation process so they feel more inclined to follow them. The class can also discuss what consequences might be put into place when rules are broken.
(4) Incorporate a plethora of learning materials in your lessons
Provide a range of materials and activities that supports all students’ learning styles, incorporates a variety of cultural backgrounds and perspectives, and fosters courageous thinking.
(5) Encourage frequent social interactions among students
This way, students will feel invested in their own education. For example, play ice breaker games at the beginning of the school year to allow students to get to know each other on a personal level. Consider switching seating arrangements once a quarter as well to allow students to interact with new classmates. Finally, employ project-based learning in your classroom and carefully choose group assignments to facilitate positive student interactions.
(6) Offer additional support to all students
Let students and families know about potential tutoring sessions and extra help sessions after school. This might benefit those who are uncomfortable speaking up or asking questions in front of their peers. Also, make sure you are positively communicating with families and offer teacher conferences guardians can have private discussions about areas where students may need extra support.
(7) Collaborate as a school community
Teachers should be regularly communicating with other educators, administrators, school counselors, aides and families. Also, consider attending professional development opportunities that specifically touch on the concept of classroom inclusivity to better educate youself on new ways to foster a sense of belonging in your classroom.
What are the benefits of classroom inclusion?
(1) Enhanced social skills for students
(2) Shared learning opportunities
(3) Tailors teaching for all learners
(4) Creates high expectations for all students
(5) Fosters a sense of belonging among students
(6) Makes all students feel supported academically and socially
What law promote inclusivity for schools?
(1) The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was established in
- This law makes a free appropriate public education available to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children. (New York State Department of Education)
- This law says that students who get special education services should learn in the least restrictive environment (LRE). That means they should spend as much time as possible with students who don’t get special education services.
references:
What are the principles and beliefs of an inclusive education?
Teachers should believe that students...
(1) Can learn
(2) Can attend age-appropriate regular classrooms
(3) Should receive a curriculum that is relevant and needs-driven
(4) Should be collaborative both in the school environment and at home
(5) Should have opportunities to partake in co-curricular and extracurricular activities
Please watch the following educational video on inclusion.
While watching consider reflection on the following:
- Why is inclusion important in classrooms?
- What are potential reasons kids may feel excluded in the classroom?
- What beliefs does an inclusive education promote?
Your Assignment:
Use the link bellow to respond to the following prompt: How can educators provide effective accommodations and modifications in their classroom to meet the needs of culturally diverse students?
Or feel free to write in a journal and send it to j.slobodow@albany.edu
https://quizizz.com/embed/quiz/663820563252414aa5150bb7
References:
https://www.nysed.gov/special-education/idea-general-information