Developing active learners in inclusive classrooms

Montgomery, Diane

2021 UPEI Graduate Studies and Research Conference

Abstract

2021

According to the Canadian Research Center on Inclusive Education (2021), inclusion is when “all students actively participate and learn with their peers in the same classroom with adaptations made for all to succeed” (par. 3). This means not just placing students in mainstream classrooms, but ensuring they receive the support they need to access the curriculum in the way they learn best. This presentation combines two qualitative case studies which explore the virtual learning experiences of Show moreAccording to the Canadian Research Center on Inclusive Education (2021), inclusion is when “all students actively participate and learn with their peers in the same classroom with adaptations made for all to succeed” (par. 3). This means not just placing students in mainstream classrooms, but ensuring they receive the support they need to access the curriculum in the way they learn best. This presentation combines two qualitative case studies which explore the virtual learning experiences of seven K-12 students with and without learning differences and the teaching practices of eight elementary school teachers from bricks and mortar and virtual inclusive classrooms. The findings reveal the impact of applying universal design for learning (UDL) principles to satisfy the needs of the students through multiple means of engagement, representation and action and expression. The teachers also illustrated how they amalgamated UDL and technology within a tiered approach to intervention to overcome their initial challenges of time, lack of training and classroom support to implement successful inclusive classrooms. Based on the review of literature and experiences shared by the participants in both studies, recommendations will be proposed to the school board that may support more teachers in inclusive classrooms. Show less