“Inclusive classrooms support the abilities and recognize the possibilities of all students.” Learning knows no bounds and every child, regardless of their learning pace, capabilities and skills should have access to quality education and the education they get must be unbiased.
The education landscape is changing every day. The world has changed in ways more than imaginable and we have become more inclusive. Inclusive classrooms and inclusive schools are important to make sure that every child gets the attention and care they need. It is rightly said that the classroom should be a place where a mistake is not to be feared but is viewed as a learning experience.
What is inclusive education or what are inclusive classrooms? Inclusive classrooms are spaces where regardless of gender, race, behavioral and special challenges, all students are put in age- appropriate regular classes together. This approach is necessary to promote the wellbeing of all kids. It plays a pivotal role in destigmatizing the unnecessary taboo that is attached to specially abled children. Inclusive education helps to promote a great culture. Today, the definition of inclusive education has become more inclusive; It ensures students from all backgrounds—regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, gender, household income, have equal access to education and services.
4 Tips to Create an Inclusive School
Creating an inclusive school is easier said than done. IT requires a lot of effort and dedication and it is all worth it. Here are four amazing tips that are sure to work while creating an inclusive school.
1.Teacher Collaboration
Teachers cannot function as independent systems when you are creating an inclusive school. Teachers need to collaborate with each other to discuss various teaching methods and strategies. More often than not, their hands might be full and a collaborative mindset is what will help them achieve success. As mentioned, there might be different kinds of students in an inclusive classroom and when teachers feel a sense of shared responsibility, it is easier to handle the classroom and the students. They need to sit together and come up with lesson plans and strategies that would work.
2.Involve the families
It is impossible to create an inclusive school without being in constant touch with the parents. The parents would know their children better and connecting with them constantly will help you better understand if the methods that you are incorporating are working or not. It will also help you devise better plans because you have a chance to understand the students better. Inclusive education is a great way to increase the social skills of students and when you do it right, there is nothing like it!
3.Multi Level Instruction
One of the most important things to keep in mind is to make sure that the materials are not standardized. The study materials must be designed such that it caters to all the different abilities and needs of the different kinds of students in the classroom. You should address the multiple levels of abilities in the classroom. Directing instruction just to a narrow span will not work in an inclusive classroom.
4.Create a Strong Supportive Community
If you are shifting towards building an inclusive classroom or an inclusive school, teachers will need a strong support system. You can seek the help of volunteer groups or other support groups to help your teachers. You can appoint specialists in the school to understand the needs of your students in a better manner.
An inclusive atmosphere helps to enhance the social and community skills of the students. Students feel included and there is more tolerance. Need not mention the great advantage that comes out of the support system. It also helps to make great behavioral changes. An inclusive education system is built on one major principle and that is creating the best space for children. Inclusive education is a step towards democratization of education and is closely aligned with the vision of Teachmint to democratize online education.
Education is a necessity and it is what lays the foundation for a better life. May quality education be accessible to all individuals and on that note, we are wrapping up this blog. We will be back with yet another informative blog. Until then, stay tuned and happy teaching!
Teachmint is keen on changing the future of education with its advanced LMS and ERP tools. With more than 20+ modules for educational institutions like admission management, attendance management system, performance management, and more; it is changing the teaching-learning experience.
