Critical Reflection Essay

Critical Reflection – Lesson Plans: How did I plan my lessons to be inclusive of all students’ needs?

In order to effectively plan inclusive lessons, a teacher needs to have a comprehensive knowledge of: their students, including their abilities and interests; alternative ways to teach and evaluate student understanding; how to adapt materials and text; the expectations of the school and community; and how to utilise this knowledge together into meaningful activities and experiences for all students (Hoy & Margetts, 2010). Being conscious that students learn in multiple ways, an attempt was made to include visual, auditory and kinaesthetic strategies within my lessons to cater for the needs, abilities and interests of all students. It was challenging

According to Thompson (2013), if you want a student to behave a certain way, you should reinforce that behaviour. Rather than pointing out the disruptive behaviours, I decided to create a positive emotional climate by focusing on Student A’s good behaviour whenever the opportunity arose. Simply acknowledging good choices and making eye contact and smiling when Student A was seated at the front of the class with legs crossed and paying attention. Thompson (2013) also maintains that positive reinforcement creates a supportive atmosphere allowing students to see the connection between their effort and results. A conscious effort was made to include student A in group discussions and complemented student A’s appropriate behaviour. When students were working individually, student A was monitored and observed, ensuring student A understood what was expected and was offered assistance when needed. This experience has given me greater awareness and patience of the difficulties other teachers and students have, trying to create and inclusive environment, but it has also left me with several questions. What more can a teacher or the school do? My mentor teacher, the school counsellor and executive staff had all put a number of strategies in place to support this student and nothing appeared to be working. What will I do if in future if am confronted with a similar situation with another