How Can Teachers Ensure That Their Practice Facilitates Social Inclusion

Inclusion in school is important especially as students spend a lot of time in this environment. There will always be students from different socio-economic backgrounds, as well as different academic abilities, and therefore it is paramount that teachers plan their lessons to ensure all students are taken into consideration. For example, if one of the texts for literature is by Jane Austen, set in a time when a lot of students are not able to comprehend the language or social structures described within and may alienate them, the next text should be something modern and more relatable. Even if the text itself predates our time, the issues should still be relevant. A text such as Pigeon English that deals with many social issues that unfortunately, still affect many of our students today.

I was educated in both the Caribbean and the UK, and I felt more excluded in the Caribbean than the UK because we were extremely poor. Social deprivation was a huge barrier to learning, however, not having a meal at home or school did not deter me as I knew if I missed school, I was missing a lot. In that regard, although free school meals are probably a crude measurement of other social issues, it is important that it remains in place because some students do not get a hot meal or have that family time around a dinner table. Also eating with other students and teachers is part of the inclusion process. It does not have to be publicised that they are getting a free school meal.

Rita Pierson s TED talk about connecting with students is, in my opinion, the most important aspect of learning, both for teacher and student. It is vital that students do not feel less than or lacking due to their life outside of school. There is already a hierarchy in place and for some students, they do not have a responsible adult in their lives who make them feel safe, nurtured, and appreciated. Even the best teachers are learners or should be, so the students need to feel as though they are part of an environment that is open to not just fulfilling their academic needs, but also helping them build great relationships with themselves and their peers ,so they can enter the world with confidence and purpose. Having effective and honest communication is key, as well as being positive.

It is not always the brightest students who achieve, it is usually the ones who work the hardest. The ones who can build on their skills and knowledge through perseverance and with the help of teachers, are able to find success in school, and later in life.