The Use Of Methodologies To Support Inclusion
The implementation of methodologies to support inclusion in school is the first step to increase respect for diversity in society, since in an inclusive educational context, children are taught from an early age to live together, learn, understand, communicate and interact with all kinds of people, regardless of their characteristics and needs.
Thus, the implementation of these educational methodologies entails a series of implications and repercussions on students, families and school teachers.
The use of methodologies to support inclusion
Students are the main group directly influenced by the school’s implementation of an inclusive methodology. To achieve this, it is important to allow students to:
- Access the educational center without being segregated from other schools due to their characteristics or needs.
- Unrestricted access to certain spaces, resources and educational possibilities.
In addition, the school must recognize diversity, so that children learn a series of values related to the ethics of:
- Justice. Wanting for others what you want for yourself.
- The care. Worry about those most vulnerable people.
- Criticism. Recognize and help overcome the barriers that limit your own aspirations and those of others.
- Responsibility.
Thus, students must be based on these values and be open to collaborating in the proposals made by teachers, showing a participatory and active attitude in the learning process.
Therefore, a dynamic of collaboration and cooperation among the little ones should be created in the classroom, which encourages work in heterogeneous groups. In this way, peers themselves become active support and learning resources for others.
Teachers in the use of inclusion support methodologies
For these inclusive practices to occur, teacher training and professional development are necessary conditions, so teachers must be trained to teach all types of children, so that they understand how their students learn and what is the best way to teach them.
Therefore, teachers must assess the capabilities and characteristics of all students, especially those with specific needs for educational support. Thus, they should learn about the existing inclusion support methodologies and select the ones that best suit the circumstances of the class.
Furthermore, such methodologies need to be planned in such a way that everyone can actively participate in their own learning. Also, to achieve positive results, teachers need to take three essential steps:
- Plan each activity carefully.
- Give students opportunities for cooperation.
- Supervising group tasks from a certain distance, assuming the role of guides.
But, for all of the aforementioned to work, it is necessary that the center have a team that believes in educational inclusion, and that there is good organization and coordination between them, the leadership assumed by the director of the center is of special importance.
The family in inclusive education
In addition, the school must be in charge of maintaining fluid communication with the students’ families, based on listening and mutual respect. It is essential that they feel welcomed and valued, that they are part of the decisions and activities. But also of the concerns of the center, that they can get involved and be a support, to the extent of their possibilities, to the center and the classroom.
Therefore, it is essential to discuss and identify the points of agreement and disagreement in educational practices so that family collaboration can be enhanced and trust fostered. In short, the fact of implementing inclusion support methodologies in an educational center carries with it a series of commitments from:
- The students.
- The families.
- The teachers.
Thus, it can be said that the inclusive culture that must be defended and applied in schools is one in which it is valued:
- Equality among all students.
- Respect for differences.
- Parental involvement.
- The active presence of students in the learning process.
