The Inclusive Teacher Checklist
In a previous blog post I pointed out that we are all in fact Inclusive Practitioners in our ELT classes, that doesn’t stop us wanting to do even more to ensure that we are reaching and challenging all our students to achieve the best possible outcomes.
inclusive teacher
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1. Seating
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Do those who need support from the wall sit next to it (remember a student might not be lazy and uninterested just because they are leaning against a wall) Are those who need to see clearly close to the board? Are those who find concentrating more difficult sitting away from attention grabbing posters or windows?
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2. The environment
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Although you probably don’t have that much say in this, is your classroom a place where you would be comfortable to sit and learn?
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3. The class photo
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A really quick, simple way to think about all your learners, plan your lesson with a class photo in front of you, for each activity just take a quick glance at the photo – will John be stretched in this activity? What difficulties might Jo face and how can I work round that?
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4. All for One and One for All
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If you know that one student works best using pastel or recycled paper to avoid glare, then use it with all the students. If you know that one student would really appreciate using a recording device to complete a dictation then offer that to all the students, you usually find that students like being stretched at those that don’t need any of the extra resources you offer won’t take them anyway.
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5. Aim High
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Finally, there’s a risk that by wanting to ensure the success of all our students we don’t push them enough, and more importantly we don’t encourage them to push themselves. So don’t forget, while offering the support mentioned above, ask them if this is their best work, what would they need to produce even better work? Remember, and remind your students that FAIL is in fact First Attempt In Learning, and that your classroom is a safe and supportive place where they can take risks in their learning, if you don’t make mistakes in the classroom, where will you?
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