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6 Actionable Steps to Building a Truly Inclusive Classroom


5th July 2024

Students with different learning abilities cannot thrive in a general classroom setting.

Imagine if you create an environment in your classroom where diversification is promoted and where every student even with different learning abilities can feel included and valued.

However, the question is, how you can achieve it?

The answer is pretty simple, you can create an inclusive classroom environment where every student with special needs and learning abilities can thrive. Those teachers who have pursued courses like online MA in Education with Special Education, knows it really well.

Now, you might be thinking, what can teachers do to create an inclusive classroom?

No, need to worry, we have got you covered.

In this blog post, we will be sharing some of the best effective ways to create an inclusive classroom environment for your special needs students.

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So, without any further delay, let’s get started.

What is Inclusion in Education?

Inclusion in education means that regardless of student’s learning abilities, backgrounds, and differences each of them has equal access to quality education. Inclusion in education also promotes and fosters an inclusive learning environment for students who have other native languages or from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Importance of Inclusive Education

According to research, it has been found that the rate of academic performance increased by almost 65% in inclusive classrooms compared to non-inclusive classrooms. Now, let’s get to know what is the importance of inclusive classrooms in detail:

  • It gives every student a sense of belonging.
  • Regardless of student’s learning abilities and need, they will flourish.
  • Every student’s unique learning needs are being fulfilled which also motivates them to work on their own goals as well.
  • It helps every student to understand and respect the diverse perspectives of other students.

6 Effective Strategies To Create an Inclusive Classroom

Let’s get to know, what can teachers do to create an inclusive classroom environment successfully:

Set Behaviour Standards in the Classroom

In general, managing students in any setting can be a challenging experience for every teacher, especially in the case of special needs students. To manage your students effectively, it is suggested that you must establish a set of rules and standards of behaviour in the classroom.

You can create a chart and establish rules and guidelines related to which behaviour is accepted and which behaviour is not at all accepted. To make it more fun, you can also encourage students to take part while creating a behaviour chart.

Also, try to make sure that those rules are precise and easy to understand for students which also makes them feel respected and safe in the classroom.

Here are some examples of what kind of behavioural rule you should establish:

  • Always treat each other respectfully.
  • Treat each other by being kind and humble.
  • Respect your peers and other's space.
  • Keep your hands to yourself.

However, even after establishing rules and guidelines related to behaviour, some students might show disruptive behaviour. In those cases, try to give them a stern warning and make them understand that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable and that they are making their peers uncomfortable.

Implement Scaffolding Techniques

Teachers have the power to shape students in the right direction to achieve success in the future. With the scaffolding method, teachers can be able to cater different learning needs of diverse learners. To effectively implement scaffolding techniques, you need to-

  • Break a bigger task into smaller achievable tasks which is easier to achieve.
  • Help students to complete their tasks by encouraging & motivating them.
  • Assign them with some fun activities and instruct them to work in groups.

Listen & Support Your Students

In a classroom, each student comes from different backgrounds and cultures. Each one of them has their own unique perspectives, thoughts, dreams, and stories to share with the world. Teaching your lesson is important but you also must make time for listening to every student’s thought and feeling, and at the same time teach them to be respectful towards each other.

In certain scenarios, you might witness that students might get involved in the quarrel, in such a moment you must try to resolve conflicts between them. You can do that by connecting with them emotionally and trying to know the deep root cause of their disruptive reaction and behaviour.

This course of action makes students feel included and motivates them to get more engaged in the learning process.

Figure Out The Specific Needs of Students

Every student has different needs from each other. Some students might belong to special education needs and learning disabilities, English as an additional language community, or from a traveller community. To support every student's unique needs, you must first understand them and consider their different learning needs in the classroom.

Let Children Choose Their Own Assessment Method

Assessing every student’s learning progress is not possible via a single assessment method like- written test exams. The one-size-fits-all method might not work while assessing students with different learning needs and abilities. To ease out the process, you can give freedom to your students choose their own assessment method to figure out their learning progress. It might be via-

  • By creating a flowchart
  • Through Infographics
  • By writing a blog or essay
  • By presenting a presentation

Create a Safe & Positive Classroom Environment

To create a perfect inclusive environment, you can consider creating a serene, calm, disciplined, and organized classroom environment. You can achieve this by placing objects like-

  • Visual aids like-SMART board
  • Indoor Plants
  • Stimulating Toys
  • Large Table for group activities

Inclusive Classroom Environment Is The Solution For Catering Student’s Unique Needs

Making every student feel welcomed, valued, and safe is one of the essential steps for creating a positive learning environment. You can achieve this by following the above-mentioned effective strategies of creating an inclusive classroom environment.

If you want to learn more latest and effective strategies for supporting your students with different learning needs and abilities. Then, consider pursuing courses like an online MA in Education with Special Education, where you will get assistance from top expert trainers.
 

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Written By : Sonal Agrawal



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