Abstract
M.Ed. (Educational and Learning Support)
The research problem addressed in this research essay focused on the teaching strategies that were used by the teacher in the classroom to facilitate inclusion. The investigation was carried out with the aim of exploring these teaching strategies. The South African Constitution supports the inclusion of learners with barriers to learning and development in regular classrooms as a human rights issue. This right is further underpinned by White Paper 6, which compels all the schools to admit and accommodate these learners in their classrooms. One of the aims of inclusion is quality education for all. The change to inclusion implies that teachers are required to adapt their teaching strategies to accommodate all learners in their classrooms. This means that
teachers need to be trained in the relevant teaching skills if they are to accommodate the needs of all learners in their classrooms.
Qualitative research methods were used for data collection and analysis. The literature review in this investigation was confined to inclusive teaching strategies, the teacher used to accommodate learners with barriers to learning in her classroom. It also included the development of an inclusive education and training system, the principles of inclusive teaching strategies and the role of the educator in response to change. To identify the school and a suitable classroom for observation, purposive sampling was used. Two individual interviews and four observations were used to collect data. Data collection took place in a classroom situation were the researcher observed the strategies the teacher used to include all learners in the classroom. Data analysis in this study was done using the constant comparative method. Findings indicated that the teacher adapted her teaching strategies to accommodate learners with barriers to learning and development
in her classroom. The strategies she used were co-operative learning, direct instruction and motivation. She has found the value of collaborating with colleagues and thus began the process of teacher support. The Education Support Services can use the findings of the investigation towards the structuring of training for teachers in inclusive settings.