ACT Live Online Workshop Empowers Educators on Inclusive Education Strategies to Identify Students with Special Needs

Asian College of Teachers (ACT) conducted a highly engaging and informative live online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar on 'Identifying Students with Special Needs and Applying Remedial Strategies' on 29th July 2023. The seminar attracted more than 30 participants and was facilitated by Ms. Smita Tripathi, an expert special educator. Ms. Smita Tripathi who holds an M.Sc. in Psychology and a PG Diploma in Special Education, brought a wealth of knowledge to the session. She is currently a consultant and speaker on various platforms in the field of special education, conducting webinars and training sessions for parents, teachers, and special educators.

The seminar focused on equipping 21st-century teaching aspirants and working teaching professionals with the understanding of various challenges that children may face, such as learning disabilities, behavioural disorders, and developmental delays. It emphasized strategies for identifying and assessing children with challenges through structured observations and red flags. Throughout the session, Ms. Tripathi shed light on the techniques for creating inclusive and supportive classroom environments, emphasizing differentiated instructions and universal design for learning. The seminar explored the importance of teamwork and collaboration to support children with challenges effectively. It also highlighted the best practices for teaching children with challenges including the use of evidence-based interventions and accommodations like response to intervention models along with covering the significance of self-care and stress management techniques for teachers working with children with special needs to maintain their own well-being and resilience.

Participants were introduced to various resources and professional development support available for teachers, thus fostering continuous growth in their teaching journey. The seminar emphasized the value of being flexible in their approach towards new teaching strategies and incorporating technology and assistive technology to support special children effectively. The purposeful planning for varied learning experiences, understanding students' profiles, providing multiple pathways to learning, and sharing responsibility with students were discussed as key aspects of effective teaching. The content presentation technique was interactive, engaging, and practical, including case studies, examples, and group activities to enhance the participants' learning experience fostering positive learning outcomes.