Dear Rishika,
How are you amid all your entrance exams and uncertainties after college? This is an important phase in a student’s life, and believe me, you will come out of it stronger and more resilient. In this letter I am going to give you a brief about my understanding of an inclusive and compassionate learning space. Since both of us are in the field of education, I think you would be able to critically analyse my thoughts and tell me what you think.
When I started my training to be a teacher, the basic premise was that every child is unique. A seemingly simple statement, having immense significance and truly the essence of the teaching learning process. Every child is essentially physically, emotionally, culturally, academically, socio-economically and spiritually unique. As an educator, one needs to take into account that each child understands and learns in differently. Thus the challenge to make learning spaces all inclusive, full of acceptance of the abilities and inabilities of every individual, full of empathy, and willingness to make accommodations as and when required. A learning space needs to be such that it makes the learner feel like they belong, they are safe and cared for, they have a voice and will be heard. The question is ‘HOW’.
A learning space is shaped by various dimensions- the physical environment, the emotional, cultural and spiritual dimension and flexibility of curriculum. The physical environment is made up by the infrastructure of the space, which should have no barriers and should cater to the needs of all students. Building ramps, lifts, all inclusive toilets, wider corridors, speakers, use of neutral colours, sensory spaces and adequate lighting are essential. Creating the all inclusive learning space requires planning and is actually the easy part.
The remaining dimensions are difficult, need human willingness, consistency of approach and continued training, otherwise it is easy to slip into complacency. The consequences could be damaging. I am reminded of the character Holden Caulfield in J. D. Salinger’s ‘The Catcher in the Rye’, who says- “I’d just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it’s crazy, but that’s the only thing I’d really like to be.” – when all he wants is that no child should get hurt, physically or emotionally, like he was in his boarding school, because he was not like the rest of the students.
Emotional and cultural inclusiveness and offering flexibility in curriculum requires all stakeholders, namely the head of the institution, the management, staff, teachers and students to consciously engage in the process of accepting, understanding and empathising with each other in the long run to realise the common vision. Values of humanity and brotherhood need to be foregrounded. I often wonder about the inclusiveness of nature, where mighty trees, herbs, shrubs, climbers, creepers, moss and lichen co-exist, drawing nutrients and water from the same earth, breathing the same air. The challenge is to overcome the urge to categorise and segregate people on the basis of appearance, wealth, privilege, abilities and access. ‘Vasudhaivakutumbakam’ should be practised.
“….Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls….” These lines by Rabindranath Tagore can be a reality and not remain in books and utopian thought. We are the change makers, and it is time to act, to liberate our schools and colleges and to make each learner feel valued, accepted, supported and safe.
With these thoughts I end my letter. Take good care of yourself. Till we meet.
Warmly,
Rashmi Pandey
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Outstanding writing. A holistic analysis covering a wide range of issues. Kudos
Profound..very beautiful penned..loved reading it Rashmi….it seems this is your calling
Profound..very beautifully penned..loved reading it Rashmi….it seems this is your calling
Beautifully written, I loved reading it, really appreciate your positive and upbeat approach to address the issues. Keep up the good work.
Beautifully penned…love the way you have expressed and addressed the issue… would love to read more from you
Well crafted and thought provoking. All the important aspects of education was addressed in wonderful manner.Good job Rashmi
Well crafted and thought provoking. All the important aspects of education was addressed in a wonderful manner.Good job Rashmi
Every child is unique still rat race is going on without identifying their uniqueness. Deep understanding of a dedicated teacher. Kudos Rashmi