Philosophical Inquiry: Inclusive Education in the Classroom
Madi Young
My question for inquiry (after revision and reflection) is: as a teacher, how can I create and sustain an inclusive classroom environment that is supportive of all learners so that every student feels empowered and able to engage meaningfully in their learning? Through research, I have found that administrative and institutional attitudes, policies, and resources play a critical role in the efficacy of teachers’ abilities to create and sustain inclusive classroom environments. Administration and institutions that provide proper training, resources, and supports for teachers results in a systemic dedication to inclusion in all educational aspects. Ensuring that teachers are properly versed on the importance of communication, collaboration, and reducing perceived stress by seeking help and support when needed is shown to increase the self-efficacy of teachers and administrators in best supporting students with diverse learning needs. Furthermore, this inquiry process has emphasized the importance of expanding the consideration for inclusive education to include all students, whether they be emerging or extending in their proficiency and comprehension of core competencies. Within my paper I connected this concept to the erroneous line of thinking that students with diverse learning needs are in a deficit and equated this to perceiving students who are extending to be in a surplus. In my opinion, both of these perspectives need to be reformed, as educators need to be conscious that students of either end of the proficiency scale need support to reach their full potential. In terms of practical classroom application, I identified that Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and centering the core competencies from the BC Curriculum are effective strategies for fostering an inclusive classroom environment with a focus on inclusive educational practices. The key takeaway from my inquiry and research is that as educators, it is crucial that we continuously focus on creating and sustaining inclusive classrooms and teaching practices to best support all of the students in our care.
