All teachers strive to teach in a way that every one of their students understands the material being taught. However, students’ abilities and aptitudes vary quite widely, so it’s not always easy to get through to everyone.

But it’s not impossible: teachers can use specialised teaching pedagogies that cater to the needs of all learners, even those who struggle academically. By embracing inclusive strategies and making use of differentiated instruction, for example, teachers can create a learning environment where every student has a high chance of success.

Embracing Inclusivity

The goal of inclusive teaching pedagogy is to meet a diverse set of needs inside any student group, no matter their academic aptitudes. It does this by creating classrooms where acceptance, support, and equity are the foundational pillars.

With that in mind, educators should design lessons that allow for different learning styles and preferences. By taking more than one instructional approach to their teaching, teachers give their students the opportunity to engage with the subject matter in ways that suit how they learn best. This can be a combination of photos and videos, fun activities, and group discussions. If a particular student does not do well in group discussions, for example, they might get more out of a practical activity that’s fun and engaging.

This approach ensures that every student has ample opportunity to grasp the subject matter, and ultimately that no student is left behind. 

Creating Custom Learning Experiences

Differentiated instruction is a highly effective tool teachers can use to meet the needs of all students. It involves evaluating the unique interests, abilities, and learning preferences of the individual students in their classes and customising their teaching methods to cater for them.

Flexible grouping can help here, as teachers can create smaller, homogeneous or heterogeneous groups based on students’ readiness levels. This allows them to provide targeted instruction in a way that resonates with each group’s capabilities.

By adapting their teaching in this manner, teachers give all of their students the opportunity to understand and make meaningful connections with the content. 

Being Supportive

Teachers shouldn’t underestimate the value of creating a supportive, nurturing environment for their students. When students feel like they can ask any question, when they feel safe collaborating with their peers, and when they are supported in taking risks, teachers are cultivating a classroom environment where students can truly learn without feeling judged.

It also creates a sense of community, and provides an opportunity for teachers to give their kids constructive criticism and feedback that can help them learn where they’re strongest, and where they might need more help. 

The value of practical examples

Sometimes, students struggle to grasp abstract academic concepts, and it’s only by giving them examples of how those concepts apply to the real world that those ideas take root. Teachers can do this by referencing current events, case studies, and real-life scenarios in their lessons to help their students grasp the nuances of the subject being taught. 

Inclusion is Vital

Using an inclusive teaching pedagogy, teachers can make sure that all students understand the subject being taught. Even those who might not have a lot of academic aptitude.

And by prioritising understanding over marks, teachers foster a love for learning in their students which can, in turn, help them to realise their full potential in time.