As a teacher, you want your classroom to be a place where all students can learn and thrive. But how do you know if your classroom instruction is truly inclusive and not excluding students with disabilities?

In this article, we’ll explore what inclusive classroom instruction looks like, as well as what exclusionary classrooms look and feel like for students with disabilities. We’ll also discuss instructional strategies that teachers can use in their classroom to ensure that the environment is inclusive and setting students with disabilities up for success.

What is Inclusive Classroom Instruction?

Inclusive classroom instruction is an approach that recognizes the diversity of learners and seeks to create an environment that is welcoming and supportive of all students. This approach does not only apply to students with disabilities, but also considers other differences, such as culture, language, and learning style.

In an inclusive classroom, all students are given the opportunity to participate and contribute to the classroom. Teachers provide multiple ways for students to learn and engage with the material, which can include visual aids, hands-on activities, and group work. This approach values student diversity and recognizes that all students have unique strengths and challenges.

What Does Exclusionary Classroom Instruction Look and Feel Like for Students with Disabilities?

Exclusionary classroom instruction is an approach that does not recognize the diversity of learners and may even actively exclude students with disabilities. In an exclusionary classroom, students with disabilities may be treated differently and may not be given the same opportunities as other students. This can result in students feeling isolated, unsupported, and frustrated.

For example, if a teacher only uses one teaching method, such as lecturing, students with disabilities who may not learn well through lecture may be left behind. Or if a teacher only provides printed materials, students with visual impairments may be unable to access the information. In these situations, students with disabilities may feel excluded from the classroom and may not be able to fully participate.

Instructional Strategies for Inclusive Classroom Instruction

There are many instructional strategies that teachers can use to ensure that their classroom instruction is inclusive and setting students with disabilities up for success. Here are a few examples:

1. Differentiate instruction: Provide multiple ways for students to learn and engage with the material. This can include visual aids, hands-on activities, and group work.
2. Provide accommodations: Provide accommodations and modifications as needed for students with disabilities. This can include providing extra time for assignments or tests, providing assistive technology, or adapting materials.
3. Use Universal Design for Learning (UDL): UDL is an approach that provides multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement to ensure that all students can learn and participate. UDL can benefit all students, not just those with disabilities.
4. Foster a positive classroom environment: Create a classroom environment that is welcoming and supportive of all students. Encourage students to respect and value each other’s differences.
5. Communicate with families: Communicate with families of students with disabilities to understand their needs and collaborate on strategies for supporting their child.

In conclusion, creating an inclusive classroom is essential for ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn and succeed. By using instructional strategies that value diversity and recognize the unique strengths and challenges of all students, teachers can create a classroom that is welcoming and supportive of all students, including those with disabilities.