Critical Reflective Essay

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Critical Reflective Essay- Alternative Education Experience.

I have selected ‘ability’ as the central domain for this essay. The reason I have for choosing this domain is, before I started my Alternative Education Experience (AEE) I had many preconceived ideas about pupil’s abilities or the lack of them. Over the course of my AEE experience these ideas were challenged and brought about a systemic change to my thinking around the area of ‘ability’ and the link between ability and social classes. In this essay I will look at how labels are placed on pupils which singles them as different from other pupils. Also I will be referring to the talent and deliberate models in relation to ability, while endeavoring to look at how streaming and vocational …show more content…
“There is clear evidence that teachers recognise the challenge of responding to diversity within schools and are generally positive towards and supportive of the principle of inclusion.” (Shevlin et al 2013) p.1130. Having studied the literature and evidence available it is a realistic proposition that educating for diversity will be possible nationwide in the near future, however this will only be possible if teachers and principals believe that they can change and put in the appropriate work and planning needed to achieve an inclusive education system. The practice of streaming will have to be eradicated and a distinction between vocational education and social class broke down. Some of the current supports that are in place for children with ASD need to be re-examined so that they do not serve to make the child more isolated. Finally to conclude “Imagine if we were able to exclude fear from school rather than children…wouldn’t such a system be one in which all could flourish?” Jordan (2008) p.13. This is a quote that has resonated with me throughout the writing of this reflective essay, and I feel that it represents what must be done in order for diverse and inclusive education. Can this be achieved? Are we prepared for this fundamental change? How can we contribute towards an all-inclusive model of education? These are just some of the …show more content…
& Gallannugh, F. (2007) SEN inclusion and achievement in English schools. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs. 7(3), 172-178

Jordan, R. (2008). THE GULLIFORD LECTURE: Autistic spectrum disorders: a challenge and a model for inclusion in education. British Journal of Special Education. 35 (1), 11-15.

Kearns, H., Shevlin, M. (2006). Initial teacher preparations for special educational needs: Policy and practice in the north and south of Ireland. Teacher Development. 10 (1), 25-42.

Kelly, AV. (1975). Case Studies in Mixed Ability Teaching. London: Harper & Row. 5-26.

Kelly, N. Norwich, B. (2004). Pupils' perception of self and of labels: Moderate learning difficulties in mainstream and special schools. British Journal of Educational Psychology. 74 (2), 411-435.

Kunc, N. (1992) The need to belong: rediscovering Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, in: R. A. Villa, J. Thousand, W. Stainback & S. Stainback (Eds) Restructuring for caring & effective education (Baltimore, Paul Brookes). Available online at: www.normemma.com/armaslow.htm.

Logan, J. (1999) Teachers' Union: The TUI and its forerunners in Irish Education 1899-1994, Dublin: A. & A.

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