Teacher training on :” Inclusive education for children with disabilities with special needs ” in Lao Cai
From 13 – 16 August, IDEA worked with the Institute of Educational Sciences to organise five training courses for teachers from 17 schools in the two districts of Van Ban and Bao Yen in Lao Cai province. This is one of a series of activities under the project “Supporting inclusive education for children with disabilities in inclusive primary schools”, supported by Save the Children (SC) in Viet Nam.
Through teaching methods such as presentations, group discussions, role play, self-study and practical exercises, the learners gained a firm grasp of knowledge and understanding of: identifying and distinguishing the different ways of educating pupils with disabilities – special education, integrated education and inclusive education; recognising the importance and significance of inclusive education for pupils with special educational needs and inclusive education for pupils with disabilities; identifying and understanding the strengths, difficulties, abilities and needs of pupils with disabilities in inclusive education; supporting pupils with special educational needs and pupils with disabilities in inclusive education; and having the awareness and attitude to welcome, support and educate pupils with special educational needs and pupils with disabilities in inclusive education.
The lecturers, who have many years of experience in inclusive education, delivered the lessons in a very lively and engaging way, using body language and easy-to-understand illustrations, asking thought-provoking questions, including ice-breaker games between sessions and combining group discussions, role play, short plays, talent shows and music and drama composition, etc.… This attracted and encouraged enthusiastic participation from the learners, helping them understand the difficulties that pupils with disabilities may face in class and in life, and contribute to the progress of the lessons. The lecturers were very warm, open, enthusiastic, empathetic and sharing, and always summarised the main points after each part of the lesson so learners could remember it.
It can be said that “inclusive education is something that must be done” in society today. Doing it well will nurture the future for pupils with disabilities, giving them a learning environment and successful inclusion. The project is a starting point for other localities to learn from and implement.
