What does “inclusion” mean in education?

The purpose of this training course is to engage participants in reflection and dialogue around effective strategies, methods, and best practices to foster inclusivity within educational settings. This course centres on core principles of inclusive education--empathy, collaboration, and belonging—aiming to empower educators to create environments where every student feels valued and supported.

The new edition of the course “Special needs and inclusive education, the Italian experience of overcoming segregation” took place in Bologna from 20/10/2024 to 26/10/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, starting with Stanislav, Kristina, and Birutė from Kaišiadori district Žasliai basic School in Lithuania, Johanna Maria and Ingrid Monika from Komvux Norrköping in Sweden; further, Ilargi and Dorleta, who were participants coming from the Spanish IES TOKI ONA BHI. Finally, Irmgard from Evangelisches Realgymnasium Donaustadt in Austria.

The course began with participants engaging in a collaborative discussion to explore and define the concept of "inclusion." This initial dialogue allowed everyone to share their personal interpretations and experiences, setting a foundation for a shared understanding. By examining diverse perspectives, participants identified key elements of inclusion, such as equal access, respect for diversity, and fostering a sense of belonging, all of which would guide the learning and discussions throughout the course. Furthermore, each of the participants had the opportunity to present their school systems, how they fostered inclusion, and which projects and activities they performed with their students, allowing the other participants to get inspiration and take notes from others’ systems and ideas.

Following, the participants delved into the Italian model of inclusion, examining the specific role of the support teacher and educators and its impact on inclusive practices within the classroom. They engaged in hands-on group work, analysing and discussing the structure and goals of the Italian Annual Plan on Inclusion to better understand its practical application. Additionally, they participated in activities focused on fostering a sense of belonging, exploring how "membership" and the "feeling of belonging" can be cultivated among students. Through these activities, they gained practical insights into creating a classroom environment that is both inclusive and supportive.

The course aimed to promote four essential values: Empathy, fostering meaningful relationships between teachers, students, and families; Connection, encouraging understanding of diverse behaviours and building strong interpersonal bonds; Membership, creating a sense of belonging within the group and reinforcing values of tolerance and respect; and Cooperation, emphasizing collaboration with families as integral partners within the support system for students with special needs or disabilities. These principles are designed to build a cohesive and inclusive educational environment where every individual feels valued and connected.

To get more deeply inside on how the educational Italian model supports inclusion inside the classrooms the course included a videocall with Alessandro, an enthusiastic Italian support teacher in a primary school, who shared valuable insights into his experience and approach to inclusive education. This session provided real-world context to the course material and allowed participants to gain firsthand knowledge of the support teacher's role in fostering inclusion. Additionally, participants engaged in practical activities focused on strategies to cultivate empathy within the classroom, equipping them with tools to build a more compassionate and understanding learning environment. Moreover, to get a closer look at the “Italian Model” the participants also had the possibility to go and see how the secondary school “Manfredi-Tanari” in Bologna manages to put into practice all the methods and theories presented during the course with the experiences of the support teachers and students themselves.

The training also included sessions on inclusive teaching methods and the use of ICT tools designed to engage and include all students effectively. These resources provided participants with practical techniques and digital tools to create a more accessible, interactive, and inclusive learning environment for diverse student needs.

Discover more about this course here.