4 Effective Strategies: Enhance Special Needs and Inclusion in Education
? ✨ “If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn” ― Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas
Under the umbrella of special needs, there are numerous conditions, such as physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, sensory impairments, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and mental health disorders.
Each condition brings its own set of challenges, strengths, and characteristics, making it essential to approach each individual with understanding, empathy, and respect for their specific needs.
Special needs in education (SEN) is a term used to describe the educational support provided to individuals with learning disabilities or challenges. SEN aims to ensure that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to education and receives appropriate support to reach their full potential.
Thanks to Erasmus+ KA1 courses teachers all around Europe have the opportunity to learn from each other, exchange experience, and help their colleagues make a difference in the world.
How Teachers can Create an Inclusive Learning Environment for All Students ?
Inclusion in education is the principle and practice of providing equal access and opportunities to all students, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or differences. It involves creating a learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported.
Inclusion in education is not just about academic achievement but about preparing students for a diverse and inclusive society. It promotes equity, diversity, and social justice by breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and fostering an inclusive mindset that celebrates and values the unique contributions of every individual.
4 Best Strategies for Creating an Inclusive Classroom and Supporting SEN?
➤Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): IEPs are personalized plans that outline specific learning goals and accommodations for students with Special Educational Needs.
➤Differentiated Instruction: By adapting content, pace, and assessment methods, teachers can provide opportunities for all students to engage and succeed.
➤Collaboration and Professional Development: Collaboration among teachers, special educators, and support staff is crucial for effective inclusion. Sharing expertise, resources, and strategies promote a cohesive approach to meeting students’ diverse needs.
➤Classroom Environment: Creating an inclusive physical environment involves arranging the classroom to accommodate diverse needs. This may include providing assistive technologies, visual aids, flexible seating options, and sensory-friendly spaces.
Teaching Special Needs and Inclusion in Education ?
Understanding the characteristics of special needs and their implications for behaviour, learning and the ability to process information is critical for anyone working or interacting with special needs students.
The needs of children with special requirements are often characterized by unachieved milestones, restricted diets, avoided activities, missed experiences and so much more they „can´t do“. For that reason, here at Erasmus Courses Croatia, we have designed an Erasmus+ KA1 course called „Special Needs & Inclusion in Education“ which helps participants in devising inclusive teaching methods and fostering an inclusive school atmosphere, while also empowering them to address the emotional and attitudinal concerns of parents.
The objective of the course ?
The objective of the “Special Needs and Inclusion in Education” Erasmus+ KA1 course is to equip teachers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and strategies to effectively support students with disabilities. The course aims to enable teachers to adjust the curriculum to meet the specific needs of individual students and implement digital technologies in special needs education. Furthermore, it promotes the exchange of experiences and best practices among teachers and school staff from different countries.
5 learning outcomes participants will achieve during the course:
➤Acquire knowledge about a range of disabilities.
➤Recognize the unique characteristics and needs of students with special educational needs (SEN), gifted students, and students with disabilities.
➤Familiarize themselves with the tools and techniques used to create a supportive learning environment for special needs children.
➤Develop plans and learning strategies tailored to the needs of students with disabilities, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, auditory processing disorder/visual motor deficit, and ADHD.
➤Gain exposure to Croatian institutions working with children with special needs and have the opportunity to exchange experiences with teachers from various European Union (EU) countries.
Not only will teachers gain theoretical and practical knowledge but they will also visit relevant institutions and schools such as:
Obrtno tehnička Škola Split: a vocational school that implements inclusion and has a special needs class.
Center for Education and Upbringing Juraj Bonači: a center that provides social services for children with developmental disabilities, adults with autism spectrum disorders, and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Center for Education and Upbringing Slava Raškaj: a center that provides services to children and youth, as well as adults with hearing impairment, speech and voice impairment, and other influential developmental disabilities, as well as motor or functional impairments of individual organs and organ systems and other influential developmental disabilities.
By participating in the “Special Needs & Inclusion in Education” Erasmus+ KA1 course, teachers will acquire practical knowledge, visit relevant institutions and schools, and enhance their ability to support students with disabilities, ultimately fostering an inclusive community.
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Special Needs and Inclusion in Education ? https://erasmuscoursescroatia.com/courses/special-needs-in-education/
? For any inquiries contact us via e-mail: info@erasmuscoursescroatia.com
? The latest trends in special needs and inclusion in education are available at the following link: https://www.unesco.org/en/inclusion-education