Reflecting on Establishing Inclusive Learning Environments
4 A teacher establishes, promotes and sustains inclusive learning environments where
diversity is embraced and every student is welcomed, cared for, respected and safe.
Student Teacher Practices
- As I have a deaf student in one of my
classes, I have been working with her
interpreter to learn some basic signs in order
to connect/engage with this student. I have
also had the opportunity to work with her and
her interpreter to reinforce scientific concepts.
- At my placement school we have many ELL
students. Alongside being welcoming and
inviting to my students, I have also made
adaptations for my ELL students, in order to
promote educational inclusivity. I provide for
them vocabulary word banks in their
workbooks, and offer verbal testing for their
quizzes and checks.
- As a specific inclusive practice, creating
various adapted tests for ELL and ISP
students is an important component of
inclusive learning. Adding visuals, simplifying
language, and providing one-on-one help is
crucial support for these students.
Influence of Student Learning Experience
- While making an effort to connect with this
student, I can see that she is increasingly
curious about me. Additionally, I have been
able to help her understand difficult concepts,
by communicating through her interpreter and
reading her facial expressions, to check
understanding.
- I have found that several of my ELL
students, and a few non-ELL students have
benefitted from verbal testing. After asking
quiz questions verbally, some students have
been able to demonstrate a greater
understanding than their written work had
communicated.
- When students were able to have access to
the adapted homework and one-on-one
instruction, their attitude toward asking
questions began to change. As I adapted for
these students and built my inclusive learning
environment, the students were more willing
to engage with me, knowing I was there to
support them and wouldn’t make them feel
behind or embarrassed. Unless these
students feel that I don’t care about anything
but their success, they won’t feel comfortable
approaching me first. It is through an
inclusive environment that trust, and a
willingness to ask or accept help, can be
created.