Reflect on our PM’s vision of an “inclusive society”. What does this vision of an inclusive society mean for you as a teacher?
• “Government will be open and inclusive in its approach towards all Singaporeans, young and old, disabled and able- bodied…” by PM Lee Hsien Loong
An important aspect of an inclusive society is the integration of people with various physical and mental abilities into the mainstream. To build an inclusive society, I believe that education is the key spring board to which this vision may be realized through. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, 2003), inclusive education is where schools accommodate all children regardless of their physical, intellectual, social, emotional, linguistic or other conditions.
Building an inclusive school community is an effective way of promoting acceptance towards diversity as well as minimizes discriminatory attitudes and prejudices, thereby moving Singapore towards an inclusive society.
Increasingly, our education system is recognising the importance of a holistic and flexible approach that respond to the diverse needs of learners. For instance, learner-centred pedagogies are advocated, quality and effectiveness of teacher is enhanced, developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning materials/resources are implemented to places the child at the centre of the education system. Beyond all these, I feel that teachers function as an important if not the most influential role models for children; given the amount of time students spend in school and interacting with teachers. As such, teachers should develop personal philosophies and cultivate a positive attitude towards classroom environments that are inclusive, supportive and responsive to the diversity of learners.
The vision of an inclusive society also means for me as a teacher to adopt a flexible teaching style by being aware the students have a range of learning styles and are constantly interacting with their environment. Thus, each individual is different, facing and dealing with different stresses and situational contexts. Therefore, I may need to provide extra time (e.g., reading, homework, tests) so that pupils are not hampered by their disability in realizing their full potential. In addition, teaching methods need to be tailored to the various learning styles and pace of pupils (e.g., prepare more challenging questions for the higher ability pupils while freeing-up time to facilitate learning of the lower ability ones). As our group project case study is on hearing impairment, this has set me thinking about how teachers should help such pupils (as most of the time, the term pupils with disability would be associated with ADHD, autism, behavioural problems, this group project has broaden my perspective on what “other” kinds of learners would I possibly face in the future). One strategy would be to relook the teaching materials and adjust their delivery mode (e.g., the use of flash cards, visual aids, FM systems, SMS, laptops).
Another important element would be to talk to the pupil, ask them about their preferences and requirements and come up with teaching practices through a team effort.
Having a positive teacher-student relationship and a strong rapport with students is also essential such that pupils can trust us. The learning environment should be safe and non-judgemental, where pupils can feel safe to voice their opinions and seek help when needed. The support from the whole class is also vital to promote inclusion and prevent bullying/teasing which has sever repercussions. The class needs to be aware and tolerant of differences, exercise sensitivity and treat each other with respect. Nonetheless, all these take time and effort, therefore I believe that as teachers, we need to be the starter, the role model and encourager who sees value in an inclusive education and strive towards an inclusive society.
"Inclusion is not just a matter of putting in wheelchair ramps and accommodating disabled kids in public schools. Real inclusion must occur in all aspects of daily life."
Shannon Flora
I was very touched when I read this quote because it speaks beyond the superficial of facilities such as wheelchair-friendly ramps and accommodation. It sets me thinking about the term accommodation vs integration. By accommodating it may feel like we are merely adjusting, habituating ourselves to people who are different from us. On the other hand, integration may have a more positive connotation whereby we incorporate and assimilate people who may be dissimilar to ourselves and welcome/include them into our ‘world’. Inclusion should scratch beyond the surface of adjustment but instead, integrate and seep into our daily life.
“If society could start thinking about the inclusion of people with disabilities in terms of equal opportunity and as a matter of social justice and not just as accommodating people with disabilities then you begin to start removing that stigma that comes with the label of a “disability.”
Belinda Guthrie, Vassar
Source: http://www.christian-inspirational-quotes.com/inspirational-teacher-quotes.html
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