INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR LEARNERS WITH SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES IN AN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION SETTING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

It is an indisputable fact that for more than a decade, the world trend has tilted towards inclusive education as opposed to educating the special needs learners in segregated settings which was hitherto the known practice. The focus now is on inclusivity so as to pave the way for social interaction and respect among all categories of learners in the same learning environment. Accordingly, this paper attempted to highlight what special needs learners are all about with particular emphasis on learners with learning disabilities. Besides, inclusive education as a means of combating discriminatory practice has been clearly expressed. The justification for inclusive education has been extensively elaborated. The issue of inclusive classroom in particular and inclusive setting in general have also been clarified. Equally dwelt upon, are some of the specific instructional strategies that are used essentially in ameliorating if not completely eliminating the learning difficulties experienced by some students who are learning alongside their peers in the same classroom. Finally, it concluded by drawing the attention of teachers both regular and special to be conscious of the existence of students with specific learning disabilities in their inclusive classrooms and try as much as possible to provide for their learning needs and peculiarities.