Course Description:
This course is about inclusive practices in mainstream classrooms for teachers who have students with physical impairments. It is designed to provide teachers with knowledge and practical approaches for supporting the inclusion of students with physical impairments. The course covers various topics, including an introduction to inclusive education and its relevance today, recognising the needs of students with physical impairments, practical approaches for implementing changes and analysing the outcomes of these changes. Through this course, teachers can learn how to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that values diversity and promotes the inclusion of all students, including those with physical impairments.
Course Learning Objectives:
- Understanding the concept of inclusive education and its relevance in today’s educational context.
- Identifying the needs and challenges faced by students with physical impairments in mainstream schools.
- Developing practical strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment that values diversity and promotes the inclusion of students with physical impairments.
- Developing an understanding of the impact of inclusive education on the social and emotional well-being of students with physical impairments.
- Learning how to assess and monitor the progress of students with physical impairments and adapting the classroom environment to create a sense of inclusion.
Course Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the concept of inclusive education and its significance in the current educational landscape.
- Identify the unique needs, challenges, and strengths of students with physical impairments within mainstream classrooms.
- Design practical and inclusive teaching strategies that create an accessible and welcoming classroom environment.
- Implement strategies to build a classroom culture that promotes empathy, respect, and positive peer interactions.
- Utilise appropriate assessment tools and techniques to monitor the progress of students with physical impairments.
- Modify the classroom environment and curriculum to accommodate the evolving needs of students and ensure a sense of belonging.
- Promote a team-based approach to inclusion, recognising the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of inclusive strategies and practices in promoting the participation and achievement of students with physical impairments.
- Reflect on personal teaching practices and make continuous improvements to enhance inclusion.
- Encourage students to take ownership of their learning goals and support them in developing independence.
By achieving these learning outcomes, educators will be better equipped to foster a more inclusive and accessible learning environment, enabling students with physical impairments to thrive and reach their full potential in mainstream classrooms.
Resources & Assessment:
- The course provides a range of resources to support learners and facilitate the application of acquired knowledge.
- The course features ungraded, in-course quiz questions designed to assess comprehension of the material. Learners will have the flexibility to attempt these questions multiple times until they arrive at the correct answer. Although the review quizzes are optional, it is strongly advised that participants aim to identify the correct answers to confirm their grasp of the course content.
- The course incorporates a comprehensive final assessment, known as the ‘Course Test’, designed to evaluate participants’ understanding of the essential concepts covered throughout the course. Upon successfully passing this test, participants will be awarded a course certificate.
