Sustainable Learning Inclusive Practices for 21st Century Classrooms

understand the framework of this book and its overall focus on sustainable learning as a way of bringing together inclusive teaching and learning practices in contemporary classrooms

delineate important concepts associated with special and inclusive education and effective teaching and understand how these are related through sustainable learning

be familiar with key terms used in this text and understand their derivation

understand how relevant legislative frameworks apply to educators’ responsibilities and education provision to students with disabilities or learning difficulties

Sustainable learning is learning for all, teaching that matters and learning that lasts. Its foundation is effective classroom practice, and its goal is to provide for the learning needs of all students throughout their school years and into lifelong learning.

Effective teaching occurs within a series of nested frameworks. Legislative frameworks define teacher responsibilities.

Teaching for sustainable learning pays attention to students’ cultures and their relationships with places, families and communities. Such teaching is responsible, relevant and intentional and focuses on the key capabilities of human performance.

The key capabilities of human performance can be summarised using the acronym ATRiUM, which stands for Active learning; Thinking; Relating to others; Using language, symbols and information and communication technology (ICT); and Managing self.