Creating an Inclusive Learning Experience for English Language Learners with Specific Needs

Country Studied: UK

Area of Focus: Children and adults with specific needs.

Type of learner the Case Study is supporting:

• Children with specific needs.

Aims and objectives of Case Study

This collection of case studies aims to share some experiences in promoting positive attitudes and thinking around specific needs. It also aims to describe teaching and classroom management strategies to create an inclusive learning environment and positive experience for English language learners with specific needs.

Short descriptor of Case Study

The British Council is committed to providing its learners with a structured English language learning experience that will support each individual in the process of reaching their full potential in language learning. They currently teach approximately 300,000 learners a year, from early years to adults of all ages in more than 85 centres across 50 countries and work in over 100 countries supporting the development of English language programmes with a range of stakeholders such as Ministries of Education as well as directly with teachers and learners. This encompasses a wide range of learners with diverse needs in terms of their behavioural, emotional and social needs, their sensory and physical needs, their communication and interaction needs and their cognitive and learning needs.

In this collection of case studies, each case study is followed by a reflection activity that can be used for training. Suggested answers to the activities are provided. The activities involve teachers in discussion and challenge the idea that only people with ‘special’ skills are equipped and qualified to teach learners with specific needs.

The 23 case studies represent a diverse range of students with specific needs from different cultural contexts who are learning English in British Council teaching centres or in partnership with other organizations. There is also an invaluable section on guidelines and tips for creating an inclusive learning experience as well as recommended further reading and a list of useful websites.

The specific needs covered are the following:

• Case studies behavioral, emotional and social needs
• Case studies sensory and physical needs
• Case studies communication and interaction needs
• Case studies cognition and learning needs

3 Key learning Principles that were used in this Case Study to support learners with LD

1. Value the abilities and achievements of all the learners.
2. Creation of their own Specific Needs Policy.
3. Promote equal opportunities and diversity.
4. Appropriate provision and any reasonable adjustments.
5. Help teachers in providing support to their learners.
6. Managing the learning environment.
7. Increase the knowledge and build the confidence of teachers and students.

Strategies used as part of Case Study

• Examples of several specific needs to cover all the possible situations.
• An example of an Individual Education Plan.
• Reflection activities – suggested answers.
• Guidelines and tips for creating an inclusive learning experience.
• General principles for inclusion within the classroom.
• Tips for learners with specific conditions.
• Recommended reading.
• Recommended Websites.

Results and impact

The British Council currently teaches approximately 300,000 learners a year, from early years to adults of all ages in more than 85 centres across 50 countries and work in over 100 countries supporting the development of English language programmes with a range of stakeholders such as Ministries of Education as well as directly with teachers and learners. This encompasses a wide range of learners with diverse needs in terms of their behavioural, emotional and social needs, their sensory and physical needs, their communication and interaction needs and their cognitive and learning needs.

There are an estimated 650 million people with disabilities in the world and this suggests that even in small teaching centres or schools there will be some learners who have specific needs.

These numbers reflect the impact and results of creating adequate methodologies, strategies and environments to make the inclusion of learners with specific needs a reality.

Evidence as to why this was considered Good Practice

The wide range of learning difficulties covered, the real first-person examples, the theoretical-practical approach of the guide with examples to be used in classes make this practice a good example to be replicated in many circumstances.

Resources used as part of Case Study

• Creating an inclusive learning experience for English language learners with specific needs | TeachingEnglish | British Council
• B480_Special Need_Publication_A4_V5_Final.indd (teachingenglish.org.uk)

Any Additional Information or Resources

• Case studies, insights and research | TeachingEnglish | British Council