What does “Inclusion” mean in education?

This training course aims to reflect on and discuss various strategies, methods, and best practices to foster inclusion in the classroom. The guiding principles of this training are empathy, cooperation, and a sense of belonging, which are essential elements of inclusive education.
 

The latest edition of the course, “Special Needs and Inclusive Education: The Italian Experience of Overcoming Segregation”, was held in Palermo from November 18 to November 22, 2024. Participants came from across Europe, including Therese Nyström and Charlotta Kjellberg from Turebergsskolan - Sweden and Jurgita Sabaliauskiene and Skaidre Gaidamaviciene from Ukmergė School of Technologies and Business - Lithuania

The first key concept, “Empathy,” is fundamental for fostering relationships between teachers, students, and families. It involves seeing things from others’ perspectives, avoiding judgment, understanding others’ emotions, and effectively communicating that understanding. Developing these behaviors is crucial for creating meaningful connections within an educational setting, particularly when supporting students with special needs

The concept of “Belonging” focuses on the feeling of being part of a group and recognizing the value of one’s contributions to others. By removing barriers to communication and fostering mutual understanding, respect, and tolerance, a sense of belonging creates a welcoming environment that encourages and supports learning.
 

The third key concept, “Cooperation,” highlights the importance of collaboration with families. This partnership is vital for building a supportive system for students with special needs. Teachers play a crucial role in guiding both students and their parents, offering resources and advice on how to best support the child’s learning journey.
 

During the course, participants explored the “Italian Model,” a unique approach to inclusive education that eliminates special schools and integrates all students into the same system. This model relies on specialized professionals, such as Support Teachers and Educators, to provide tailored assistance. To see the Italian Model in action, participants visited Istituto Comprensivo Rosario Livatino in Ficarazzi. This visit allowed them to observe how the theories and methods discussed during the course were implemented in a real educational context.

One of the most valuable aspects of the training was the opportunity for participants to share perspectives, methods, and models during networking activities. These exchanges fostered mutual learning and enriched everyone’s understanding of inclusive practices. The training also offered participants new tools and models to refine their practices, encouraging ongoing improvement. The week concluded with heartfelt thanks to all the participants, whose dedication made the course truly unique.

Discover more about this course here