Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities. Inclusion in education ensures that every learner has the ability to succeed and is provided with the tools and resources that they need to do it. This is especially important for students with disability, or who come from different cultural backgrounds. As a teacher, your goal with inclusive education is to make sure that every student leaves your classroom safe, happy and fully involved in their world, their social life and their future.

Why is inclusion important?

Educators have one of the most important roles in creating a just and equitable society. They help shape the next generation of young people and empower them to make the world better. This also means teachers have the responsibility to ensure each student has equal opportunities to succeed in both school and life.

There’s an ethical obligation, too – teachers must ensure that all of their students, regardless of their background, are able to grow, learn and thrive. To do this, teachers must have the knowledge to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all learners. It’s not just students with disabilities or who are part of minority groups who benefit from this, either. Every student benefits from a positive learning environment, and gains enhanced skills like compassion, empathy and teamwork.

The NSW Department of Education invested in four schools ranging from primary to secondary across New South Wales in 2020, supporting them to make changes to be more inclusive in their education. The changes in each school’s marks and rates of negative behaviours showed that inclusive practices benefit everyone involved in education.

Once students are out in the wider world, they’ll encounter other social justice issues that they can take part in. Students from an inclusive learning environment will have the social tools required to work in a diverse world. And these learners may just be the key to creating a more inclusive future, by fighting discrimination and promoting equality.

What does inclusion mean in practice?

Inclusion in education can be challenging sometimes. But you can make some changes on the ground that will have a lasting impact on the outcomes of all learners.

A diverse student body. Having lots of different people around with different life experiences (e.g. race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status or abilities) can enrich the school’s social ecosystem! Celebrating that diversity shows that the school respects and supports each student’s differences, and teaches the learners around them to also respect those differences when out in the wider world. This is even the case as early as daycare, with research showing that babies prefer to learn and socialise in groups!

An accessible curriculum. Many historic ways of learning can be difficult to access for students who have learning disabilities or speak English as a second or third language. An accessible curriculum makes learning inclusive. Simplicity is key here! Make sure all handouts are in easy to read fonts, any music or audio is provided with a transcript, and put everything that might require internet access into a physical form as well. It’s a basic practice of ensuring that every family, no matter their situation, can access everything they need to make sure their child thrives.

Inclusive pedagogy. Embracing cultural differences, adopting differentiated instruction methods and and encouraging students to think critically and act with empathy are essential tools in a teacher’s toolkit. Assigning tasks that require looking at things from different points of view will help students develop their own inclusive processes.

A supportive school environment. This can be as simple as putting together diversity clubs for students to attend, sponsored and supported by a few members of staff. Anti-bullying programs also fit into this category: a school that rejects bullying in all forms will automatically be a more supportive and inclusive place to learn and grow as students can feel safer and have the framework they need to get help with any issues.

What are the benefits of inclusion in education?

Inclusion in education has many benefits that extend beyond the classroom and out into the wider world. It’s proven not only to benefit the lives of learners, but those of teachers, staff across the school, and the students’ families as well.

Improved academic outcomes

Students who are part of marginalised groups are more likely to succeed academically when placed in an inclusive school environment versus specialist schools. Other students around them also succeed along with them – inclusion in education brings everyone upwards. A rising tide lifts all boats!

Enhanced social-emotional development

All students benefit from enhanced social-emotional development when they’re taught inclusively.^ These benefits can include:

• greater development of qualities such as patience, trust and empathy for others’ needs
• improved behavioural development and fewer ‘disruptive’ behaviours
• a higher sense of well-being and self-worth
• more independent thought, with increased ability to work without supervision
• a wider social net, with the ability to make friendships across social divides
• increased understanding and valuing of diversity and independence.

Preparation for the real world

Children are going to encounter people from all walks of life, for the rest of their life. Learners who are exposed early and purposefully to a more inclusive understanding of disability, race, gender and other social markers are more likely to become well-adjusted adults. They can interact with a wide range of people from all around the world (in an increasingly global workforce), working with them on projects and generally contributing to a more positive social ecosystem.

Long-term outcomes

In the long-term, a fully inclusive school system is the goal, where there is no segregation based on disability or other factors. Once inclusion in education has become the norm in all schools, these effects will trickle down into the world. In time, more inclusive practices will come into effect in workplaces, social situations and all other parts of life.

Challenges and opportunities

As with any positive societal change, there will be some challenges to overcome before inclusive education becomes fully mainstream. But it’ll be worth it to ensure that every student has access to the high level of education they deserve.

Common barriers

As a teacher, you may feel under-resourced. It can be tough to try and make changes in your classroom and beyond without the proper support. If your school’s administrative or leadership team are not supportive of your journey toward more inclusion in education, it can feel tough to get started.

But don’t be disheartened. There are heaps of resources out there for you, with support from governments at every level as well as online support and social groundswell.

Take any opportunity for external training or professional development you can. Attending sessions that address a smaller subsection of diversity, like teaching for disability or teaching students from migrant backgrounds, could help to expand your teaching strategies and give you tools that can be used across every student’s learning experience.

It’s also difficult when sometimes there can be a very vocal negative response to these kinds of inclusive behaviours. Just remember that your commitment to inclusion in education is backed by data and long-term analysis. Keep your students at the forefront of your reasoning. You’re doing it for them, to ensure that every single one of them thrives as much as they possibly can.

Looking to the future

• Embrace a change in what ‘paying attention’ actually means. Recent trends in respecting students with autism and ADHD, catering to their needs and stims, has made the learning environment so much richer and more comforting for those students. Desks with swings for energetic legs, allowing unobtrusive fidgets, fun ‘brain breaks’ and adding sensory toys and spaces into classrooms have all been proven to have positive effects.
• In the future, classrooms are going to look and feel very different! Health professionals like occupational therapists can suggest ergonomic furniture improvements that help with posture and physical disability. Think beanbags or curved chairs, allowing students regular time to sit or stand to their comfort levels. Talking to these health pros about the best ways to help means that student is going to be more engaged, less uncomfortable, and generally perform better across the board.

How can I be a more inclusive teacher?

Being part of a career that makes a difference, like teaching, lets you get hands-on with the future. Involving inclusive practices in your teaching practices can be a simple, yet highly effective way of making sure everyone who passes through your classroom leaves it ready to make the world a better place.

• Develop cultural competence: Learn about different cultures and perspectives. Immerse yourself in other worlds and learn a little that you can pass on in your teachings.
• Use inclusive language: Avoid stereotypes and bias in your language. It’s practice makes perfect with this one. Extend your practice of inclusive language outside of the classroom so it becomes ingrained in your day to day.
• Adapt your teaching methods: Sometimes it’s time for out with the old and in with the new. There are heaps of resources out there to update your teaching methods to make sure they’re inclusive of everyone in your classroom. Plus, it’s fun to explore new crafts, activities and ways of learning!
• Create a positive classroom climate: Ensuring that everyone is treated with kindness and respect is the cornerstone of inclusion in education. Setting up simple classroom rules will ensure your classroom remains a positive place to be.

Study inclusion in education at Charles Sturt

When you study education, you gain the skills to change lives. And when you study a Graduate Certificate in Inclusive Education, you’ll change lives even beyond your classroom. With flexible online learning, dedicated support and a more than 70 year track record of teaching teachers, the best place to start your inclusion journey is right here.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between inclusion and mainstreaming?

While inclusion and mainstreaming may appear similar on the outset, they are slightly different. Inclusive education involves ensuring all students are in the same learning environment whilst allowing them to achieve at different rates than their peers. Mainstreaming means that all students are in that environment, but they are held to the same standard, with accommodations. Inclusion in education means recognising that success looks different to different students, not simply expecting everyone to perform the same.

What are some examples of inclusive teaching strategies?

Inclusive teaching strategies can include:

• using a visual timetable and large clock with both digital numbers and hands
• adding a quiet, comfortable space and headphones
• modeling inclusive language in the classroom and outside of it
• celebrating cultural differences
• ensuring that students have multiple ways to access all information
• moving away from formal exams and toward contextual assessment.

How can parents support inclusion in their child’s school?

Supporting inclusion in your child’s school can be as simple as showing up for any cultural events or days with an open mind. It also means modeling those inclusive teachings in the home once school hours are done, too. Asking your child’s teacher about what you can be doing to expand on their inclusive education will mean you are both on the same page and can work together as a team.

What are some resources for learning more about inclusive education?

To learn more about inclusive education, try checking with your state authority on education. The Department of Education in the NSW Government has resources on inclusive education for students from various backgrounds and with disability. You can also visit institutes of teaching excellence for more information. The Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership recently completed a case study on ‘wrap-around’ inclusive learning environments.

By taking these steps and thinking about teaching inclusively, you’re starting on the journey toward creating a more inclusive world. There’s a bright future ahead when it comes to inclusion in education. It’s time to be a part of it!

^ Toward inclusive education: A necessary process of transformation, Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDP), 2019.