Inclusive Education and Role of Teacher

Inclusive Education

The philosophy of inclusion is a paradigm sift and a move from segregation through mainstreaming and integration to inclusion.thus the journey of inclusion indicates a process rather than an event;the process reflecting occurrence of significant changes brought about by new ways of thinking,new ways of operating in the classroom,and adapting to constantly changing thinking attitude and social conditions.

Inclusion as a social and educational philosophy believes that all people are valuable members of mainstream society,whatever their differences and diversities may be in education

"Inclusion means full inclusion of children with diverse abilities in all aspects of schooling that other children are able to access and enjoy. It involves regular schools and classrooms genuinely adapting and changing to meet the needs of all children, as well as celebrating and valuing differences. This definition does not imply that children with diverse abilities will not receive specialized assistance or teaching outside of the classrooms when required, but rather that this is just one of many options that are available to, and infect required of all children."            (LOREMAN AND DEEPLER  2001)

• Inclusion means young people and adults with disabilities/or learning difficulties being included in mainstream society.
• Every student has an inherent right to education on the basis of equality of opportunity.
• Inclusive schools help the development of communities where all people are equally valued and have the same opportunities for participation.(Today's students might be the parents of 8-10% children with special needs in coming future).
• Inclusion is an on-going process,not a fixed state.

In India inclusion is the current trend and it is possible to have inclusion if there is a coordination between various government departments, parents, education systems and professionals.

Education System as Problem

• Teacher's attitude
• Rigid curriculum and method
• Inaccessible environment
• Many dropouts,many failures
• Teachers and schools not supported
• Parents are not involved
• Lack of teaching aids & equipment
• Poor quality training 
• Lack of support services. 

Role of Teacher in Inclusive Education

Ms.Gupta is a class teacher of class-II in a school.before coming to this school she was working in another school in a class that had students with special needs.She had some experiences of teaching a class that accommodated students who had unique characteristics,abilities,interests and learning style.She strongly believes that all students are capable of success.she understood ,more involved with her students,had more patience and valued all kinds of skills that her students exhibits. She believed in providing daily success for all students and helped other students to understand the children with special needs of their counterparts.

She used number of cooperative learning activities,arranged social activities among all students,welcome support services from special education personnel.She understands the diversity and individual differences.

In another class in the same school is Mrs.Kapoor's fourth class .Mrs.Kapoor has taught in the school for a number of years and used methods that according to her are the best methods as they have been tried for so many years.her students sit in neat rows and she expects work to be neat and on time.She does not appreciate the idea that the CWSN should be studying with other children and agrees with parents of other children when they voice their disapproval.She often encourages these parents to go to the authorities  regarding this.she does not want to collaborate with any special educational personnel who sometimes advise her about the teaching methods to be used as she feels she is the oldest and best teacher of the school.Children with special needs in her class are not doing well and falling behind other children.She does not want to give any extra time and wants these children to go to special schools.

What are the basic differences between Ms.Gupta and Mrs.Kapoor's approaches to teaching children?

Who is the best teacher  for Inclusive Education? Think.....!!!!!!

In my experiences in the field of disability rehabilitation and inclusive education ,i could hardly find few teachers like Ms.Gupta.I believe that teacher must respect the individual differences among learners and it's their responsibility to reach out every child in the classroom.they must have a natural love for children. Ennis William Cosby stated "I Believe teachers need to bond with students. when i reflect on my favourite teacher in my life ,they were teachers who were my friends,too.I see teachers wearing many titles besides TEACHER. I see psychologist,mother,father,friend,and adviser.I believe students react to my behaviour .The more I give myself,the more they will give back to me"

Teacher who is the most decisive elements in the classroom plays a significant role to make the process of inclusion a reality.It is her/his personal philosophy that creates the climate of the classroom.Teacher is the constant source of inspiration for children to achieve success. It is their manner,attitude,beliefs and values which project their behaviour and interaction style with the learners ultimately affecting the learner's self esteem and their success. It is the  teacher whose responsibility is to provide learner friendly environment that stimulate and motivate the children to use their potentialities to maximum.

To reduce or remove the barriers to learning and participation of students requires insight into where these barriers may come from and why and when they arise.In addition to the above the general teachers shall be sensitized with regards to the basic principles needed for facilitating the inclusive education:

• Every child has a fundamental right right to education,and must be given the opportunity to achieve and maintain an acceptable level of learning.
• All student can learn and benefit from education.
• School adapt to the need of students,rather then students adapting to the needs of the school.
• Individual differences between students are a source of richness and diversity and not a problem.

Successful Inclusion Requires:

I-Infrastructure

N-National Policy

C-Changing attitude/capacity building

L-Leadership/Legislation

U-Understanding

S-Sensitization/Awareness

I-Initiative/Involvement of all parents

O-Optimism

N-Networking with different organization.

References

Towards inclusive Education,2011.SCERT,New Delhi.

Teaching from the Heart,Ennis William Cosby.

Inclusive Education,Dr.Anupriya Chadda.