Inclusive is requisite
When we use the term inclusive, it cannot be contained within the spheres of education. It has a much wider scope and has to be embraced in the family, society, workplace, public places, and everywhere. Inclusive can be aptly defined as when people regardless of any challenges they have, are placed in suitable positions and receive fair, equal, and just treatment. If we wish to define inclusive education, it can be aptly seen as when all students, regardless of any challenges they may have, are placed in age-appropriate general education classes that are in their own neighborhood schools to receive high quality instructions, interventions, and support that enable them to meet success in the core curriculum. It has its own set of challenges, rubs, and difficulties, but if we ingrain its true essence in our system, the outcomes will be phenomenal in various respects.
Inclusive Education : Bringing Change in the Classroom
- The journey of analyzing, thinking, collaborating, and understanding begins from the classroom. We, as students slowly turn into adults and become active members of the society. If we draw a distinction between the mainstream students and differently-abled students in the classroom, it will continue for lifelong.
- This gap continues to widen at every step and stage, and the problems for students with disabilities (SWD) will keep soaring, especially at acceptance front. Inclusive Education is the most and only effective answer to involve and engage differently abled students in the mainstream education system. It creates a favourable situation for them to emerge as better and more useful human resources for the society and self due to better education, experience and exposure. The concept of inclusive education is still lesser-heard, barely explored, and inadequately accepted.
- Inclusive Education has made inroads in the developed nations, but as mentioned, it is still at a much nascent stage in developing nations. India, the second most populous nation on the world map has to embrace this phenomenon in totality so that those who are left deprived of better education due to their disability may catch up with the mainstream students. Moreover, the mainstream students learn, understand, and accept the special children as one amongst them. A lot has to be done at different fronts to make it a success. The path towards the real attainment has several impediments of various kinds, but bringing change in the classroom can be the first step towards changing mindsets, approach, and attitude of all the stakeholders involved.
- It is highly thoughtful that inclusive education should be practised, but the fundamental question arises how. Well, the experience of the teachers in terms of using various methods, tools, techniques, and approaches may certainly make inclusive education a feasible and doable drive, but what is most important is the positive attitude not only amongst the teachers, but also the parents. Further, the teachers and parents have to understand that the knowledge to be imparted to all kinds of students has to be uniform and the same, but the pace and way of teaching and learning differ.
- So, when we mention positive attitude, the teachers and parents together have to firmly believe that students with disabilities are equally competent, bright, and may face the challenges in their own unique way. This attitude transpires amongst the mainstream students and their parents adding impetus to the success of inclusive education.
All About the Convention
The ambitious and inspiring International Convention titled as “INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: BRINGING CHANGE IN THE CLASSROOM” shall be seen as a significant and concrete step towards endorsing inclusive education, sharing and learning from the experiences of practitioners, both individuals and schools, discussing the immense possibilities and challenges on the way ahead. The luminaries, educationists, thinkers, social integrators who are actively involved in refining, defining, and implementing different aspects of inclusive education across the globe will be attending it to express and share their expert and experienced viewpoints.
The International Convention will be held from 16th – 18th April, 2018 at Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Ahmedabad, Gujarat and all the dignitaries will be accommodated at Hotel Ramada, Ahemdabad.
- Outcomes of the Convention:
The Convention will lead to:
- Increased level of awareness in terms of 5Ws of Inclusive Education i.e. What, Why, Where, Who, and How.
- Pivotal information about best prevalent global practices related to Inclusive Education.
- Will bring more sensitivity and sensibility to this aspect which is left unheeded by the majority.
- The deliberations at the conference will be collated into a report with
recommendations. In India, this will support and feed into the nationwide
consultation being conducted by the MHRD with a view to reform and refresh
the National Policy of Education.
- Highlights of the Convention:
- Where Inclusive Education stands today
- Designing of Inclusive Education curriculum
- Need and Importance of Inclusive Education
- Paradigm Shift in Inclusive Schooling
- Awareness to Acceptance to Appreciation: Fulfilling and Productive Lives as the Rule of Inclusion
- Legal aspects and provisions to Inclusive Education
- Inclusive System through National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- Techniques to introduce and implement Inclusive Education
- Experiences of Head of the Schools regarding Inclusive Education
- Steps forward
- Code of Conduct
- All the participants must reach the Convention venue in time.
- They must keep their mobile phones preferably switched off or in silent mode.
- They must not go out in the midst of the sessions except for availing restroom facility.
- The participants must be in a formal attire, saree for female participants, and formal shirt, pair of trousers, and a tie for male participants.
- They must ask questions only during Question Answers round.
- They must stay present during all the three days.
- They must stick to the schedule of the Convention and must not deviate from it under any situation.
- They must not go to the their rooms or outside the room while the session is on.
- They must maintain discipline and decorum during all times.
- They must not indulge in informal talks with other participants in the middle of the session(s).
- They must not bring any eatables and beverages to their table during the session(s).
- They shall take notes and may share their viewpoints during the interactive sessions.
- They must not bring anyone who is not registered as a participant for the Convention.
- For any query or concern, they shall approach the members of the Organizing Committee.
- They must not misplace the Identity Card/Badge issued for the Convention.
