Culture, Inclusion and Environment

How can we make sure all children can learn and grow in education? This may be the core question for all teachers. In the course Inclusive & Special Needs Education we look into that question by discussing multiple perspectives and practices concerned with working with diversity among students in school. All children are different. In the classroom we may encounter neurological, physical, social, and cultural diversity among our students. In order for all children to be able to learn and grow, we need to design learning environments that can answer to this diversity. When and how do we design for inclusive or adaptive education, in which all children and their dis- and capabilities and needs are welcome in the regular classroom? A learning environment in which differentiation and connection are key in curriculum content, learning activities and strategies and socialisation? When do we design for special education, in which children with specific dis- and capabilities and needs are offered special classrooms or schools? A learning environment in which customization and expertise are key curriculum content, learning activities and strategies and socialisation? And, how can we work together with children’s families and other professionals to ensure children can develop into healthy and happy people as they walk their way through childhood and school? This course discusses existing knowledge and practice to support upcoming teachers to develop their personal and professional skills for inclusive and special needs education.

English is an international language, in order to be a true global citizen it is necessary to be able to communicate in English. The younger the child gets used to a foreign language, the more natural the language will be. For non-native speakers it might be a great challenge to speak English at school and get at ease with Classroom English as well. In this module you will be challenged to speak English all the time, to communicate with other students and feel more comfortable with the language. Furthermore you get tools how to help children to develop the English language in an active and playful way.

Visual Art is something human beings do. Images of our ancestors go back for more than 30.000 years BC. Far before written language existed, people felt the urge to make images. Art is a way of reflecting, confronting and enjoying life. It is an essential way to express feelings, develop creative thinking and enhance imagination. As part of this process you need to learn technical skills, how to design something and to experiment with materials. In order to give lessons to children you need to know how to organize an Art lesson, to design assignments which give space to children to design themselves and use their imagination. Organizational you need to be in control, at the same time you need to let go in the artistical process. This contradiction is complicated, challenging for the teacher and at the same time possible to be learned and practiced. The more you do it, the better you will get.