INCLUSIVE PRACTICE Inclusive Practice Name Instructor Institution Date 1 INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 2 Table of Content Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3 TASK 1 ........................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 The Impact of Personal, Social and Cultural Factors on Learning ....................................... 3 1.2 The Impact of Cognitive, Physical, and Sensory Abilities on Learning ............................... 4 TASK 2 ........................................................................................................................................... 5 2.1. Summarise policy and regulatory frameworks relating to inclusive practice. ..................... 5 2.2. Explain how policy and regulatory frameworks influence organisational policies relating to inclusive practice. .................................................................................................................... 6 2.3. Explain how policy and regulatory frameworks influence own inclusive practice ............. 7 TASK 3 ........................................................................................................................................... 7 3.1. Own role and responsibilities relating to inclusive practice. ............................................... 7 3.2. The relationship between own role and the roles of other professionals involved in inclusive practice. ........................................................................................................................ 8 3.3. Points of referral available to meet individual learning needs ............................................. 9 TASK 4 ......................................................................................................................................... 10 4.1 Review key features and benefits of an inclusive learning ................................................. 10 4.2 Analyse ways to promote equality and value diversity ....................................................... 10 4.3. Analyze ways to promote inclusion. .................................................................................. 11 4.4. Review strategies for effective liaison between professionals involved in inclusive practice. ..................................................................................................................................... 11 TASK 5 ......................................................................................................................................... 12 5.1. Review the effectiveness of own inclusive practice........................................................... 12 5.2. Identify own strengths and areas for improvement in relation to inclusive practice. ........ 13 5.3. Plan opportunities to improve own skills inclusive practice. ............................................. 14 INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 3 Introduction Teaching is an important element of education as it impacts the students’ ability to gain knowledge. The activity is usually conducted by individuals who have the knowledge and experience, ensuring that students learn new concepts at the end of every session. Spring Joy is a recognized kindergarten and grade school offering a favourable learning environment for children living in the UK. Through an inclusive curriculum and effective procedures and codes of conduct, the school has managed to influence the performance of children. Spring Joy believes in the vision of every student, and as such, creates a learning environment that is accommodative. This report covers the key elements of inclusive learning in relation to the school cohort, and how different factors influence learning. Furthermore the report addresses the roles and responsibilities of teachers in promoting and understanding inclusive practice. TASK 1 1.1 The Impact of Personal, Social and Cultural Factors on Learning Personal factors such as age, gender, learning abilities, learning needs, and selfconfidence influence the way an individual learns in the classroom. Every student has a unique personality profile and characteristics aspects that make each one of them unique (Kahu and Nelson 2018, p. 61). Based on their cognitive and emotional wellbeing, every student has different level of interest towards learning, and in individual subjects, which eventually affect the learning outcome. In my classroom, I learned that the majority of the children have strong traits that resulted in their resistance of mastering new language or culture. INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 4 In reference to socio-cultural factors, it is evident that different norms and beliefs influence the style of learning. According to Efthymiou and Kington (2017), some cultures are trained to believe in the ideas they are taught through acceptance without asking question. In such cases, an individual is trained to ‘gift wrap’ the new information. On the other hand, some cultures may encourage discovery of new ideas. Such cultures motivate individuals to analyse and question the information they obtain, and further explore the ideas. The students were taught about the benefits of learning in a multicultural environment, and introducing them to a diverse team through activities such as playing games and discussing music events. 1.2 The Impact of Cognitive, Physical, and Sensory Abilities on Learning Research has shown that cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities are key determinant of an individual’s learning abilities. Cognitive skills refer to the mental abilities that aid in the processing and acquisition of knowledge. In the case where individual learners possess strong cognitive skills, they are able to learn easier and faster. Physical abilities such as gross motor skills are also essential in determining learning. The skills involve the use of larger muscles in the body to walk, hop, skip, run, crawl, and sit up (Kunter et al. 2013, p. 805). Learners who are physically able are more likely to perform better because they have improved cognitive functions such as memory and attention. At Spring Joy, students were involved in mental development through visual learning, role playing, reading of books, and engaging in group discussions. By sharing ideas, the students were able to improve their thinking and decision making abilities, thus, improving cognitive development. The educators also ensured that students engaged in physical education at least three lessons a week to ensure that they remain active in the classroom. INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 5 Sensory skills relate to the ability of an individual to have sense of touch, sight, and hearing. These skills are important to learners as they influence the engagement and concentration of learners, management of anxiety levels, self-regulation of behaviour and emotions, and in planning sequencing, and organizing of tasks (Efthymiou and Kington 2017). During the lessons, it became apparent that leaners with hearing loss were slow in mastering the classroom content because they reacted slowly to instructions, only had intermittent hearing, and were more likely to misinterpret information. TASK 2 2.1. Summarise policy and regulatory frameworks relating to inclusive practice. One of the important legislations relating to inclusive practice is the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD). Article 24 of the legislation asserts that every individual has a right to education, which must be provided in inclusivity at all levels (Anderson 2019). It requires that children with disabilities are included in the general education system with others within the community. In a learning environment with students with special needs, there is need to design the learning resources in a manner that they foster inclusion. Similarly, the Equality Act of 2010 posit that every person has the right to education, employment, and other services regardless of their physical abilities, age, gender, or race (Knowles 2017, p. 16). This means that the education system is expected to consider key steps that can promote physical features that prevent learning barrier among those with special needs. The Child Protection Guidelines also requires institutions to exercise their function while putting into consideration INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 6 the welfare of all children and the most vulnerable against any inappropriate behaviour. This involves mandatory Criminal Records Bureau checks. The Deaf and Visual Awareness are important frameworks that guide trainers towards creating a more inclusive learning environment for students. The frameworks focus on providing tips needed by teaches on how to communicate to learners who have hearing or sight impairments. The Deaf Awareness stipulates that educators should take precautionary measures to ensure that learners with hearing problems cope in the classroom (Anderson 2019). This involves maintaining an eye contact, not covering the mouth while speaking, and making sure that the learner pays attention before the start of speech. The education curriculum also influences inclusive practice. According to Knowles (2017), the implementation of the curriculum can influence the act of inclusivity among educators. A curriculum often focuses on engaging the students in learning and acquiring the skills and competencies needed for survival in the society. The Code of Professional Practice covers the codes of conduct among teachers, and how they are to behave within the learning environment (Knowles 2017, p. 15. The key principles guiding the code include respect, professional practice, responsibility, professional integrity, criminal offense disclosure, responsibility, and reasonable care. 2.2. Explain how policy and regulatory frameworks influence organisational policies relating to inclusive practice. The highlighted policy and regulatory frameworks play a major role in the development of organizational policies. They act as guidance towards establishing institutional policies that can promote quality assurance practices and inclusivity (Pit-ten CateMarkova, Krischler, and Krolak-Schwerdt 2018, p. 49). Through the Child Protection Guidelines, for instance, the Disclosure and Barring Service requires that thorough criminal background check is performed INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 7 among teachers who intend to interact with children at school. In particular, individuals with criminal record are barred from working with children, and employers who knowingly employ such individual may face criminal sanctions (Kunter et al. 2013, p. 805). The state curriculum often influences an institution’s curriculum, and as such would include all inclusivity clauses as stipulated. 2.3. Explain how policy and regulatory frameworks influence own inclusive practice The policy and regulatory framework also influences how individual teachers implement inclusive practice. These policies make the teachers aware of the current inclusivity legislation, recognizing their roles and responsibilities in promoting inclusive learning. The school curriculum also acts as the foundation of inclusivity through which teachers review and set their own inclusivity standards (Pit-ten CateMarkova, Krischler, and Krolak-Schwerdt 2018, p. 50). If the curriculum creates learning materials that consider students with Autistic spectrum, for instance, teachers will design their own lessons in a manner that caters for both the general and special need students. Inclusion policies equally promote collaboration among teachers towards creating an environment that supports all children towards effective learning. TASK 3 3.1. Own role and responsibilities relating to inclusive practice. My responsibility as a teacher is to demonstrate inclusive practice through the instructional models and the learning environment. One of my roles involves crafting a curriculum design that ensures the needs of learners with special needs are met. The teacher is INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 8 expected to modify the lesson plans and instructions as well as consider supplemental learning materials to address the needs of specific students with speech, text, visual, or hearing needs (Kunter et al. 2013, p. 805). At Joy Spring, every educator examines the strengths, weaknesses, and interests of every learner when crafting lessons. This ensures that the implemented teaching strategies help to achieve the learning objectives. In the classroom, educators demonstrate a co-teaching model where both the special education and general teachers work together in the classroom to provide inclusive lessons. As a teacher, I adopt a learner-centred model of learning, which often involves holding brainstorming and dialogue sessions regarding different issues in the learning curriculum (Anderson 2019, p.2158244019826000). For instance, in my persuasive writing class, after a period of brainstorming and dialogue with my students, I allowed them to decide on which topic they would like to explore. That way, my students were able to explore fields that they were interested in, resonated with, and had background information about. According to Mitchel 2010), this model of teaching improves learner performance because they are encouraged to be responsible for own actions. 3.2. The relationship between own role and the roles of other professionals involved in inclusive practice. Every teacher needs support and feedback to navigate the curriculum of inclusive learning in the classroom environment. The school should examine their professional practice framework to ensure that teachers understand the best practice for delivering inclusive learning, including the use of educational technology and different teaching materials (Pit-ten CateMarkova, Krischler, and Krolak-Schwerdt 2018, p. 50). As a teacher, I always seek support and guidance from my fellow teachers whenever needed to ensure I practice inclusive teaching. INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 9 Guidance from colleagues helps in ensuring that I adapt to the practices of inclusive learning, including the use of verbal and non-verbal cues to promote cohesion. To achieve an all-inclusive learning environment, it is important for teachers to also liaise with other agencies to support learners. Depending on the needs of learners, a teacher may seek guidance from additional services such as educational psychiatrist, vision support team, family support workers, early years support team, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and school nurses (Avramidis 2006, p. 110). In my case, I do work with vision support team because I have dealt with children with vision impairment. These agencies aid in the support for additional learning needs. 3.3. Points of referral available to meet individual learning needs Meeting the needs of every student requires that a teacher understands the specific needs, especially during the induction process and in the classrooms. To make sure that the teacher meets these requirements, there is need to consult appropriate resources. One point of reference is working within learning needs organisational policies (Florian 2002, p. 35). In the case of Joy Spring, teachers work with the curriculum and the stipulated Codes of Practice to ensure that the right inclusivity techniques are adopted. Teachers also utilise the support systems available, including parents, colleagues, functional skills, and the school administration to make sure that the social and cognitive needs of the children are met. INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 10 TASK 4 4.1 Review key features and benefits of an inclusive learning The key features of inclusive learning includes, creating a learning environment that respects diversity, promotes participation, anticipates leaning needs without excluding any student, tolerance and empowerment, and improved engagement through the use of variety of learning materials. One of the benefits of inclusive learning is that it promotes a favourable learning environment among students. Inclusive learning recognizes that students learn different (Messiou 2019, p. 770). As such, teachers use unique designed instructions that can help every individual student to progress. Inclusivity equally requires that teachers use differentiated instruction, including visual aids, colored materials, and manupulatives to help students with needs learn new concepts (Mitchel 2010, p. 5). In a general classroom, students with special needs will develop the sense of belonging because they will be learning in the same environment as other students. With various models of teaching, an inclusive approach ensures that students benefit from a diversity, thus, developing better cognitive and social skills. 4.2 Analyse ways to promote equality and value diversity In order to promote equality and diversity in the learning environment, teachers must adopt clear inclusivity rules as guided by the Codes of Practice and the curriculum. Students must be treated fairly and equally regardless of their potential and capabilities (Pit-ten CateMarkova, Krischler, and Krolak-Schwerdt 2018, p. 50). Teachers should also learn to avoid stereotypes that exclude students with needs from the general population. To proote diversity, there is need for adopting different teaching and assessment methods that address the unique needs of individual students. INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 11 4.3. Analyze ways to promote inclusion. It is important to provide a learning atmosphere that is secure and devoid of harassment and victimization. As a result of the organizations' specific regulations and activities, their tutors will not be able to offer this service to pupils who are engaged in violence, among other things (Avila 2019, p. 25). Additionally, inclusion requires the creation of an environment conducive to intentional learning in which students may learn in a way that makes them feel good about themselves, comfortable, optimistic, and appreciated. To begin with, I will check that the school where I want to teach adheres to health and safety regulations, as well as that the classroom is adequately prepared to accommodate students (Baldiris 2019, p. 242). It is agreed upon by students that the basic rules will be implemented as yet another means of establishing a safe and welcoming learning environment. Because I implicitly comply with the laws of the learners, I believe that this is a good approach in my class because the laws are less likely to be broken if I comply with them explicitly. If I'm not including the pupils with the fundamental guidelines, I may tell the others what I expect of them in a general sense. Along with this, I suggest that we establish positive relationships with our students. 4.4. Review strategies for effective liaison between professionals involved in inclusive practice. Tutors may be partnered with a professional instructor in the same subject area in order to provide practical guidance and assistance. The teacher will also be able to see how the ideas are being applied because of the activity. Resource sharing is important. In this process, tools and information networks are brought together; the more representative this network may be, the greater the likelihood that it will promote egalitarian action. It also has the additional benefit of lowering costs. According to Avila (2019), it also has the additional benefit of lowering the risk. INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 12 Certain sources must be consulted in order to conduct a risk assessment. Once such risks have been identified, they are evaluated to decide whether or not the candidate is willing to participate. Because we have a duty to safeguard all kids, and some students may be too volatile to participate, it is critical that we do so. If hazards cannot be, then the inclusive practice comes to an end since we do not have a service to give them in this situation (Baldiris 2019, p. 243). It is essential that liaisons have extra opportunities to create or replace learning experiences since effective methods are most likely to result in stronger working relationships. Professional employees that can offer professional counsel and expertise, as well as knowledge of legal requirements, are very important when dealing with exceedingly unusual issues and solutions that cannot be solved at home. It is usually associated with a cost, and this is true for all time (Chao 2016, p. 1145). In the future, however, legal disputes that may be more expensive both professionally and in terms of reputation should be avoided. TASK 5 5.1. Review the effectiveness of own inclusive practice. To measure my success in implementing inclusive practice, I always assess student performance by checking whether whether they understood the lesson concepts, and give them some assistance such as personal tuition, as Chao (2016) suggests. I also think about my own teacher training utilizing Gibbs' (1988) reflective cycle, which consists of six stages of reflective thought. In the first step, I go through the details of the lessons, clarifying the objectives and what I was able to achieve. I would try to describe what I was thinking and how I conveyed that INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 13 to the students. When the event unfolds, I'll provide instances of how I felt, and how it made the learners feel. In my following phase, which is evaluation, I would try to figure out what occurred. Through the process of reflection, I am always able to improve my lesson plan, so that I influence the performance of all the students. As a teacher, I'll ask individuals to fill up feedback forms at the conclusion of each block of courses, which will assist us in developing and retrieving the course. I'm attempting to figure out what's worked out well. 5.2. Identify own strengths and areas for improvement in relation to inclusive practice. Because training takes the surroundings into consideration, I consider it an important quality in myself to value teaching highly. I encourage instructors to bring their personal views to the classroom by serving as an example throughout the teaching procedure. Due to the positive effects of this route, the negative effects of previous educational encounters would be minimized. Kirkpatrick's 4-tier idea, which he developed, will be a part of my work process more often going forward (Attri 2018, p. 34). The first step is to gauge how students feel about training or studying, which is known as the learners' reaction phase. Students are assessed for academic growth at two levels throughout their studies. Inquiring minds want to know if pupils are learning and encountering the material they're supposed to study. (Attri 2018, p. 35) This third dimension focuses on how the student transmits knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and how the learner has changed his or her behavior as a result of the learning experience. I should look at the kids' behavior, development, and objectives to the extent that is practical. In the end, Kirkpatrick discusses the outcome, which is his last point. If the student's results are in line with expectations, I should evaluate how well the course has gone. I may use the student training plan as an assessment tool. INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 14 5.3. Plan opportunities to improve own skills inclusive practice. There are many ways to improve one's inclusive education knowledge, such as working with others to identify and develop one's own activities. Additionally, other people's contributions expand your professional opportunities since they bring a higher level of knowledge and insight to the table. Continuous development may be better coordinated by talking about and exchanging ideas. Classes in CPD and networking exercises have been set up every day by the organization to ensure that all instructors like myself take an interest in their own job (Black-Hawkins and Florian 2012, p. 568). My ability to improve student learning is enhanced as a teacher by incorporating contemporary ideas that motivate students on a regular basis. Another option is to compliment or encourage new pupils, or to gently challenge them while reiterating their previously established goals and ambitions. In addition, I should do more to let students explain topics they don't fully understand on their own when appropriate. Aside from professional growth and knowledge, I can also adapt and seek out new skill sets if I keep my information up to date and update it often. Progress such as peer evaluation will be used to the fullest degree possible by me. INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 15 References Anderson, A., 2019. Advancing global citizenship education through global competence and critical literacy: Innovative practices for inclusive childhood education. SAGE Open, 9(1), p.2158244019826000. Attri, R.K., 2018. Training Effectiveness Measurement for Large Scale Programs: Demystified!: A 4-tier Practical Model for Technical Training Managers. Speed To Proficiency Research: S2Pro©. Avila, C., Bacca, J., Politis, Y., Goodman, L. and Treviranus, J., 2019, November. Promoting Inclusion Using OER in Vocational Education and Training Programs. In Advances in Web-Based Learning–ICWL 2019: 18th International Conference, Magdeburg, Germany, September 23–25, 2019, Proceedings (Vol. 11841, p. 241). Springer Nature. Avramidis, E., 2006. Promoting inclusive education: From ‘expertism’to sustainable inclusive practices. Changing teaching and learning in the primary school, pp.103-114. Baldiris, S., Mancera, L., Licona, L., Avila, C., Bacca, J., Politis, Y., Goodman, L. and Treviranus, J., 2019, September. Promoting Inclusion Using OER in Vocational Education and Training Programs. In International Conference on Web-Based Learning (pp. 241-249). Springer, Cham. Black-Hawkins, K. and Florian, L., 2012. Classroom teachers’ craft knowledge of their inclusive practice. Teachers and Teaching, 18(5), pp.567-584. INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 16 Chao, C.N.G., Forlin, C. and Ho, F.C., 2016. Improving teaching self-efficacy for teachers in inclusive classrooms in Hong Kong. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 20(11), pp.1142-1154. Efthymiou, E. and Kington, A., 2017. The development of inclusive learning relationships in mainstream settings: A multimodal perspective. Cogent Education, 4(1), p.1304015. 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Education that fits: Review of international trends in the education of students with special educational needs, Education Counts Publications. Pit-ten Cate, I.M., Markova, M., Krischler, M. and Krolak-Schwerdt, S., 2018. Promoting Inclusive Education: The Role of Teachers' Competence and Attitudes. Insights into Learning Disabilities, 15(1), pp.49-63. INCLUSIVE PRACTICE 17