Knowledge
Shifting the Paradigm: Understanding Learning Disabilities
Inclusive Education helps one better understand the learning disabilities in the students and make provisions to bridge the learning gap if any
Advanced methods of learning in the modern education system with the use of technology have enhanced the teaching and learning process tremendously. Unlike in the past, Modern Education has opened up immense possibilities for all. It is no more about accumulating information by children but about supporting their natural longing to know and thereby augmenting the skills that will nurture them to grow up as worthy world citizens.
“It is by inclusion you know life.” This quote befits the present society which is dynamic and diverse calling for an education pattern that incorporates Inclusive Education which helps one better understand the learning disabilities in the students and make provisions to bridge the learning gap if any. This system brings together children with and without disabilities and improvises their learning in them. It also strengthens society by promoting equal learning opportunities for all and maintaining its solidarity, as understanding each other reduces prejudice. The system also corroborates that children with disabilities are better equipped to work and contribute economically as independent members of society.
Pawar Public School, Bhandup ingrains practices and programs through Child Centric Education pattern which also integrates blended learning and Inclusive education thereby catering to the holistic development of the students. I believe ‘Every Child Deserves the Best’, hence my focal objective is to cater to special needs students which are met by integrating ethical and effective practices thereby reaching out to each one to help them realize their potential fully.
Our school incorporates Inclusive Education with a well-planned curriculum to celebrate the ‘diversity’ of the students and to cater to their diverse social, emotional, and academic needs. The school offers innovative educational tools and inspires the minds of the pupils to think creatively within the established framework. It also promotes the all-round physical and emotional development of the student through active participation in sports and extracurricular activities.
I ardently believe that every child is special and has certain inherent qualities and capabilities which need to be explored and nurtured in a congenial and caring atmosphere conducive to learning. We have a team of trained and experienced facilitators with a state of art infrastructure and educational practices. The facilitators here view themselves as “reflective educators” who amplify the teaching and learning process through action, research, and reflection.
The school houses a Special Care Cell which since its inception, has worked on Inclusive Education and Mental well-being as a major component of student reach-out ranging from early identification of students with special needs, Right To Education (RTE) outreach, individual/family counseling, providing academic support to these students and parents, referrals for intense psycho-educational therapies, physical and academic modification required if any; besides, having a range of group activities right from Assisted Learning Programme (ALP), rigorous academic follow-ups with students and parents for better academics and emotional wellbeing.
Students with ADHD and Learning Disability, as well as students with severe impairments such as Vision Impairment (100%), Hearing Impairment (100%), Cerebral Palsy (CP), and students in the Autistic Spectrum, have been an integral part of the school. These students have also successfully completed the Grade 10 Board Exams with confidence, which has been a dream come true for them and their parents.
The Special Care Cell of the school helps in the early identification, support, and referrals of special needs students. The Department has three full-time counselors who are proactive and engage in a range of group and individual activities.
They play a pivotal role in understanding learning disabilities in students. The first and foremost task is to identify the special students, provide much-needed empathetic support to their parents, and guide them to appropriate testing centers. The students are persuaded and convinced to take the required therapies. Their progress in school is monitored through periodic sessions with them. The counselors also facilitate liaison between teachers and parents and provide feedback to both sides.
Students with learning disabilities need constant motivation and regular guidance to ensure that they fitted in the classroom by making physical modifications in the class setting. They are also provided with concessions and much-needed extra support during exams. Periodic meetings with me, as a Principal and the Head Mistress, have also been organized for the students to help them realize their potential.
Setting realistic plans that meet the need of the parent, student, and teacher is something that the Special Care Cell has been working on considering that parent communication is important for effective inclusive education. As and when required, the parents are supported by the concerned department or subject teacher for technical or subject-specific support by providing them with periodic study strategies and study timetables to be followed up at home. So, a flexible approach catering to the specific needs of the students has been adopted by acknowledging and appreciating the parent’s support and personal drive to do better for these students. Various workshops, programs, and activities are organized throughout the year to bridge the learning gap for special students.
Teachers here are facilitators and instructors who extensively use various online tools to enrich the student’s learning experience, expand their knowledge, and make learning fun and easy.
To reinforce the highest standards of academic excellence, I encourage my teachers to adopt comprehensive teaching methods that also foster the holistic development of our students with Experiential Learning Programmes in the Pre-primary Section, teaching based on Sensory Perceptions in the Primary Section and Application Oriented-teaching in Senior Section.
Abstract subjects like Mathematics are made comprehensible through the graphical representation of complex equations with the help of innovative methods employed in the classrooms. Science is fun to learn with the incorporation of games like Book Widget Crossword. For language learning, audio-visual equipment is an indispensable tool.
In nutshell, experiential and integrated learning are the key components of the teaching learning process at PPSB.
In the constant pursuit of making learning an utmost satisfactory experience for our children, we continue to seek new avenues that will equip them with confidence and value systems that will accompany them for life.
“Rise and Shine” is my dream for every child who is a part of our institution, building every day with inspiration and warmth, reflecting every morning as a blessing from the Almighty to
live, grow and inspire. Every boy and every girl in my school should be confident and uber-ready to face life challenges yet radiate peace and harmony as a ‘Glocal Citizen.’
Author – Suma Das, Pawar Public School, Bhandup, Mumbai
