H1 - How to Select Inclusive Learning and Teaching Techniques

It is very important to make sure that your session is inclusive, and you can help to do that by selecting different learning and teaching methods. There are many different Learning and Teaching methods that can be used during a lesson; choosing which techniques to use will depend on the learners that are in your class. Choosing inclusive learning and teaching techniques will allow the entire group to be involved and ensure that your session is inclusive.

It is important that you discuss with your learners what their support needs and requirements are. Once you know the needs and requirements you are able to plan your session to ensure that all learners are included.

Ice breakers are a good way to get learners interacting with each other and help to get the learners to know one another and can start to break down barriers that learners may have. Ice breakers can be simple getting to know each other tasks which can consist of finding out a few facts about your partner, this doesn't require any writing, so is often a good way to build up a  within the group without any learners feeling threatened.

A practical activity may be more appropriate for learners that learner kinaesthetically and that possible struggle with written work. By using this teaching and learning methods you are starting to take away some of the barriers that learners may face in their learning journey. The result of removing or partially removing barriers is that the learners will feel included and able to learn.

A tutor led demonstration is a teaching and learning method that works well with hands on, psycho motor session. This allows all learners to participate regardless of ability levels or learning styles. A tutor led demonstration may help learners that learn visually, however it may be that some learners have hearing difficulties there for when doing a tutor led demonstration it is import to make sure instructions are given both verbally and visually, written down. Therefore you are able to ensure that all learner and learning styles have been catered for.

A pyramid technique can be used to get everyone in the group involved in a topic; the pyramid technique starts off as an individual task, then moves to pairs, small groups, then the whole group. This technique allows everyone's views to be heard and considered, not just the more dominant members of the group. This technique can be used in order to gain the consensus, or generate a definition on certain topic. By using a pyramid technique there is not as much pressure put on individual learners to generate their own definition, but allows them to gather their own thoughts then discuss them with the other learners.

Ensuring your teaching and learning methods are inclusive and will meet the needs of your learners will help learners feel valued and supported. As mentioned earlier it is essential to find out if your learners have any needs or need any support, as then you will be able to choose the appropriate teaching and learning methods for the learners and their learning styles.