Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/416739
Opinion 19 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 2014 Darlene Borg A few years back, while surfing the internet, I came across a quote which is still engraved in my memory. The quote states that "the only disability in life is bad attitude". Throughout my experience as a teacher and as an Inclusion Co-ordinator trainee (INCO) within our educational system, I do believe that as an educator I always opt to search for the abilities of my students during their journey at school rather than their disabilities. I build on my students' strengths and capabilities rather than pinpoint their weaknesses. As educators we have to bear in mind that ALL students are diverse and have their own capabilities. Each student is an individual and has his/her own learning styles, strategies and learn differently what is being taught. A 'one size fits all' educational system does not work. Schools are institutions where students learn not only the academic subjects, how to read and write but also skills to function in society later on in life. For instance they learn how to use the computer, play music, turn-taking, making new friends, independent living skills, learn how to share things, how to work together in a team and how to work on their own. Nowadays, in our inclusive education system we speak about diversity. Diversity is about individual differences such as gender, minority groups, social background, religion, ethnicity, variety of abilities or any other combination of these which can be a factual barrier that hinders learning in a classroom. For some students school is very challenging and may need second explanations, adaptations or even an alternative curriculum, different strategies to learning to help students understand better. This is where the role of the teacher and the learning support assistant (LSA) are vital. It is crucial to distinguish between the role of the teacher and the role of the LSA – whereas the teacher's role is pedagogy and maintaining class control the LSA supports the student/s under the supervision of the teacher. It is of great importance that both the teacher and LSA work collaboratively to achieve an inclusive classroom where every member is valued and respected. Communication between teachers and LSAs is of utmost importance to share concerns, give feedback and plan on the different learning outcomes expected from students. Although students are assigned to LSAs, the latter assist in the education of all students in class. Teachers and LSAs aim to help students become as independent as possible and give a voice to students and make their own choices. These skills are necessary for the child's future for post-secondary placement be it further education or work. Parents' support is particularly necessary for this to be achieved. Strategies implemented at school should be reinforced at home. Darlene Borg is an Education Officer (Inclusive Education) Teachers and LSAs help children become more independent It's crucial to distinguish between teachers' and LSAs' roles… between pedagogy and class control, and the support of students under teachers' supervision