For me Inclusive education means taking the time to really get to know students. In this, the teacher can determine where each student stands in terms of their capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Once this information is known and the teacher has a good sense of the students personality/ ability level, a plan can be made to engage each student in a way that is both challenging and realistic to the students ability. I remember that during one of my first times in a school, one of the teachers that I visited told me that “If you do not know at least one or two personal things about each of your students you are not doing your job”. I completely agree with this as the teacher should take the time to get to know more then the students names. How can you ever hope to teach effectively if you know nothing about your students lives outside of school?

I feel that teachers should attempt to differentiate learning whenever possible for students who need it. In this, students who are high get the challenge they need to expand their learning, and students who are low get the support that they need to not fall behind the class and become lost and disheartened. During my last practicum I had the pleasure of seeing differentiated learning at work. In this, (within the context of spelling) I witnessed students students of all ability levels be engaged and work hard on the task that was given to them. No matter the ability level students were engaged, supported and most importantly not alone in what they were learning.

Going forward, I am excited to see new and interesting ways to differentiate learning. As this is an area with seemingly limitless possibilities, I am curious to see what is currently being done as this will surely give me inspiration and ideas as to how I can differentiate learning in my class after I finish the program.