Building Inclusive Classrooms


Course Description

In this intensive 5-day course, “Building Inclusive Classrooms,” participants will delve into the principles and benefits of inclusive education, equipping themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to create truly inclusive learning environments. From understanding the theoretical foundations of inclusion to developing practical strategies and exploring diverse teaching methods, educators will collaboratively plan and implement inclusive lessons. The course will address challenges in inclusive settings, foster a supportive network among teachers, and empower participants to advocate for inclusive practices within their schools. Each day is carefully structured, focusing on foundational principles, understanding diversity, practical strategies, addressing challenges, and finally, integrating assistive technologies. The course culminates in a creative expression workshop, networking lunch, and certificate distribution, ensuring that participants leave with a deep understanding and practical tools to champion inclusive practices in their educational settings.

Course Objectives

  1. Understand the principles and benefits of inclusive education.
  2. Develop practical strategies for creating an inclusive classroom environment.
  3. Explore diverse teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles.
  4. Collaboratively plan and implement inclusive lessons.
  5. Familiarize participants with assistive technologies and their integration.
  6. Enhance educators’ ability to address challenges in inclusive settings.
  7. Foster a supportive network among teachers to share experiences and resources.
  8. Empower participants to advocate for inclusive practices within their schools

Learning Outcomes

Participants will

  • articulate a deep understanding of the principles and benefits of inclusive education.
  • will implement practical strategies to create an inclusive classroom environment that fosters diversity.
  • will design and implement collaborative, inclusive lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
  • will be familiar with various assistive technologies and their application in the classroom.
  • will develop a support network, sharing experiences and resources for ongoing professional growth.

By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to advocate for and implement inclusive practices within their educational settings.

Course Schedule

Day 1 Foundations of Inclusion
  • Introduction and Icebreaker
  • Theoretical Framework of Inclusive Education
  • Group Discussion: Benefits and Challenges
  • Case Studies and Analysis
  • Reflection on Personal Teaching Practices
  • Setting Personal Goals for the Course
Day 2 Understanding Diversity
  • Types of Special Educational Needs
  • Interactive Presentation: Recognizing and Addressing Individual Differences
  • Group Activity: Creating Inclusive Classroom Profiles
  • Strategies for Creating a Positive Inclusive Environment
  • Guest Speaker Session: Perspectives from Inclusive Education Experts
  • Group Reflection and Sharing
Day 3 Practical Strategies
  • Station Activities: UDL, Differentiated Instruction, Classroom Environment
  • Group Rotation and Hands-On Practice
  • Sharing Best Practices
  • Panel Discussion: Teachers’ Success Stories in Inclusive Classrooms
  • Collaborative Lesson Planning in Small Groups
  • Peer Feedback Session
Day 4 Challenges and Solutions
  • Role-Playing and Simulation Activities
  • Debrief and Group Reflection on Challenges Faced
  • Strategies for Addressing Behavioral Issues
  • Case Study Analysis: Legal and Ethical Considerations
  • Small Group Discussions: Developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
  • Guest Speaker Session: Special Education Law and Advocacy
Day 5 Technology Integration and Beyond
  • Assistive Technologies Showcase
  • Hands-On Exploration and Practice
  • Designing Inclusive Learning Resources
  • Creative Expression Workshop: Inclusive Arts and Culture
Day 6 SPRE project, dissemination and closing
  • SPRE (Situation-Puzzle-Response-Evaluation) mini research project rotating presentation: onsite dissemination among study groups
  • Sharing the outcomes of the project presentation
  • Q&A, Closing Remarks, and Certificate Distribution
Language level: English B1 and above*
Locations: Budapest (Hungary), Pula (Croatia)
Time: 9 AM to 2:30 PM daily (extracurricular activities outside of learning activities)
Dates: Budapest: 8-12 April, 12-16 August, 2024 (5 days, 25 lessons)
Pula: 29 July – 3 August, 2024 (6 days, 30 lessons)
Price: €510 (6 days), €430 (5 days) including extracurricular cultural activities and welcome dinner

*The language of the course is English, linguistic aid may be provided for speakers of Hungarian with lower language abilities

The course complies with all rules as set in the Quality Standards of the Erasmus+ program. Extracurricular activities are in addition to the lessons, and study groups are international. Note: should the latter condition not be met, participants will be informed 40 days in advance.

Payment facilities: participants with funding from the actual year’s project budget may ask to request a deposit of EUR 100 to guarantee their places on the course and pay the rest of the fees later.

It is possible to take part in 2 consecutive courses, please book both separately. A price reduction of 15% will be applied.