‘ve slowly become aware of why it is important to diversify lesson plans and methods of instruction. The average classroom might contain 30 students, all of them have a slightly different approach to learning.
The traditional listen and take notes method actually caters to the very smallest group of learners. More diverse methods and inclusive lesson plans pave the way for academic success, but they also improve the mental and emotional element of the process.
What Inclusivity Looks Like in the Classroom
Before we get too far into the weeds, it’s important to define our terms. What does inclusivity look like in a modern classroom environment?
The sticky part of the issue is that the answer will very much depend on the classroom. The basic idea is to create a learning environment that is accessible to the widest possible number of people.
That might mean changing the way lessons are presented. It could mean rethinking the classroom’s approach to homework to reflect the fact that some students have at-home lives that aren’t conducive to independent learning.
It could mean rephrasing the way certain concepts are communicated. And it could even mean rethinking the instructor-to-student ratio to allow for more individualized and personalized education.
Why These Factors Contribute to Better Student Mental Health
Academic struggles can create a genuine mental toll on students who feel lost in an environment that’s ill-suited to their skill set. Many kids will worry about their natural ability and come to incorrect conclusions about what they are capable of.
If you struggle in school every single day for 15 years, you might come to the conclusion that you’re not academically gifted. Modern teachers know that this isn’t the case.
Often when students struggle, it’s not out of a lack of personal ability; it’s the byproduct of an ill-tuned learning environment. Possibly, it’s also related to environmental factors that can bleed into the educational process.
Prioritizing inclusivity can help address both pain points. The environmental issue is admittedly harder. There’s not much a teacher can do for a student who’s chronically absent, for example.
Giving students the time to work independently in the classroom rather than assigning homework is one way to make school more doable for kids who have complicated home lives. There are lots of little steps that can remind kids that school is for everyone and that they are capable of success under the right conditions.
Implementing an Inclusive Learning Environment
There are a few general steps that can help contribute to a more inclusive and ultimately successful learning environment. We’ll take a look at what those are below.
Personalize Learning as Much as Possible
It’s fortunately easier than ever for instructors to diversify their approach to lesson plans. Thanks to the integration of digital technology in the classroom, there are now independent learning modules that allow students to experience flexible learning plans that are optimized towards their ideal style of learning.
For example, a lesson might adjust its difficulty based on the number of questions a student is getting right. The idea is not to weaken the quality of instruction, but rather to meet students where they’re at, gather data on where they’re struggling, and develop personalized approaches to addressing those problem areas.
Personalized learning also has the benefit of increasing student confidence and making them feel more engaged with the process.
Provide Students with a Sense of Belonging
One of the best and also most abstract ways to foster inclusivity in the learning process is to ensure that every student in the room feels a sense of belonging. This is the sort of thing that simply can’t be achieved on day one.
You’ll need to get to know the students, understand them as individuals, and also make ongoing efforts to foster that type of connection. A great early way to develop these kinds of bonds is to learn your students’ names before the school year even starts.
Most schools will have a student directory that comes with photos and possibly even some background information. If you can spend a little bit of time every day in the weeks leading up to the new school year memorizing that information, it will be a great way to set an initial connection.
From there, making a point of speaking with every student as an individual throughout the week is a great second step. It can be difficult, but when in doubt, keep things simple.
Learn a small detail about their life and ask follow-up questions about that detail when it’s appropriate. Are these superficial considerations? Maybe slightly, but the idea is not necessarily to become their best friend.
It’s to prove continuously that you see them as an individual.
Lean on Every Resource Your School Has Available
Granted, this will vary pretty considerably based on your district’s resources, but probably there are some tools available for supporting social-emotional awareness. Paraprofessionals can help provide more individualized lesson plans.
Social workers, psychologists, and guidance counselors can provide more personalized support to students who are struggling with environmental issues or even simpler school-related anxiety.
Even a very devoted teacher can’t address everything on their own, but by using the resources available, they significantly improve their ability to support the students in their room.
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