Diversity in the EFL classroom
Panelist: Cecilia Irazoqui
Have you ever wondered what inclusion and diversity mean to you as an English Teacher? Are they an opportunity or an obligation to you? What can you do to help all your students feel that they are heard, seen, and considered? Discover some strategies to provide them with suitable tools for their learning process, abilities, and interests.
In this free webinar, Cecilia Irazoqui explains how to plan your classes in an effective way that matches all students' needs. After viewing, you can scan the QR code to receive a certificate. Don't miss out!
Cecilia Irazoqui is a learning consultant specialized in the learning processes of children and adolescents in the educational context and adults in their work context. She holds a BA in SEN and an MA in Educational Management; she has a Diploma in TESOL and Neuropsychology. She is a university professor.
Inclusion and diversity in EFL
The role of teachers is incredibly important and cannot be replaced easily. They act as facilitators and are responsible for combining different teaching methodologies to meet the diverse needs of their students, while also imparting knowledge of the English language. Cecilia Irazoqui emphasizes the fact that every learner is unique, and therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach cannot be applied. Teachers must identify the possible challenges that students may face, their backgrounds, abilities, and expectations to plan their classes accordingly and ensure that they achieve their full potential.
She outlines four key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to familiarize oneself with the students by understanding their learning styles, preferences, and skills. The second step is to establish clear objectives for the classes, which could include concepts, vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and so on. The third step is to identify any existing or potential obstacles that could impede the learning process. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it is essential to plan for diversity by incorporating strategies such as gamification in education, kinesthetic learning, and universal design for learning.
In this way, you will mix empathy, creativity, flexibility, collaboration, and knowledge. Remember that each person is a whole universe, so you have an important commitment to your students.