Inclusive Education: Beyond the Chalkboard or Just another Brick in the Wall? (Inaugural lecture: formal induction as professor)

Authors : Norma M NEL

Pages : 32-43

Doi:10.17275/per.14.03.1.1

View : 9 | Download : 13

Publication Date : 2014-06-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In the formal induction as professor, the author uses two metaphors to equate her research efforts in the field of inclusive education to that of beyond the chalkboard and not as just another brick in the wall. The lecture is partly inspired by Pink Floyd’s hit “Another brick in the wall” which deals with the laying of metaphorical bricks. Floyd reflects on how he was demeaned by a teacher and dreaming of rising up against teachers who are “just another brick in the wall.” By referring to the dismal reports of the Annual National Assessment insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2012); for languages and mathematics the author expresses her concern particularly for learners who experience barriers to learning and resorts to the route of inclusive education where all learners are able to access equitable, quality education. She draws on theories such as Freire, Vygotsky and Bronfenbrenner as her theoretical framework for her research and takes an asset based approach to inclusive education. Five research highlights are used to illustrate her research activities, with a detailed exposition of the “Learn not to Burn” research project. Recommendations are made regarding the training of teachers to not just be “another brick in the wall” but to go “beyond the chalkboard” in an effort to ensure quality inclusive teaching practices.
Keywords : Inclusive education, teaching, learning