Inclusion

Inclusion is a very important part of the classroom. Not only including all the students as individuals, but including all cultures, genders and backgrounds is very important.

Through my practicum I have learnt that it is very hard to include all students constantly. There is always going to be a time in the classroom where a child does not feel included. I think there are certain techniques that can be implemented to make sure students are included. In my practicum I found that in younger year levels, when working in groups the groups should be set out for the students. In my practicum I observed a grade 5/6 P.E. class and the teacher asked the students to get into groups of three. There were three students left at the end who were upset that their friends left them out and were forced to participate together. This meant that they were unenthusiastic and they looked uncomfortable with each other and did not complete the task in a fitting way. In these situations I think it is important to be inclusive by choosing groups for the students. This way the students feel as though they didn't have a choice so they have to make the most of it.

Inclusion in the curriculum is also important. I believe it is important to be inclusive in the curriculum set out for students and make sure the ideas and examples being given are not biased to any group of people.
To include all students no matter what their background, ethnicity or gender is important and although it is hard I think if it can be maintained it will be very worthwhile.

Inclusion is also "about the process in which children are encouraged to participate within the school in a meaningful way" (Rouse, Video Recording). The following video discusses ideas on inclusion, what it means and how schools can learn to include all students.

Martyn Rouse "About Inclusion" Learning and Teaching Scotland, Journey To Excellence.