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‘Inclusive learning is about ensuring all your learners have the opportunity to be involved to contribute and to be included in the learning process.’
(Gravells, 2014)
How can inclusion be implemented within teaching if it is valued as contributing towards success?
Icebreakers can be used to break down the barriers that are natural when people do not know each other and are faced with an unfamiliar situation. The aim of an icebreaker is to create a positive atmosphere , ease learners into a lesson / course and to help people get to know each other.
Examples of icebreakers include finding out the name, hometown and relevant experience (subject area) of the person next to you. Once done the pairs introduce each other to the rest of the group.
Individuals can sometimes feel isolated within lessons and in some cases out of their depth. Group work can help bring people's ideas together and help share knowledge. It also has the added benefit of getting everyone involved within the classroom.
Sometimes it may be beneficial to keep the groups small so that people feel confident to speak out and to rotate the groups to mix up the personalities of different learners.
Inclusion can also be about how a classroom is laid out. Examples of bad lessons include where not everyone can see a flip chart, or the technology fails and the message is lost.
Teachers can be proactive by working on the layout of the room so that all the learners can see the screen. Setting the chairs in a U shape can help remove barriers and enable everyone to make eye contact with each other.
The Award in Education and Training, Ann Gravells, 2014.
