DOMINIC REED (RMIT VIETNAM)
KEIRAN ROSSTEUSCHER (RMIT Vietnam)

“I JUST DON’T KNOW HOW TO HELP THEM!” CREATING AN ACCESSIBLE CLASSROOM WITH MINIMAL RESOURCES : INCLUSIVITY IN THE CLASSROOM

In English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms, educators encounter diverse student populations. Although awareness of Individual Learning Needs (ILNs) is growing, educators face the challenge of creating materials that cater to students with varying learning abilities, while not always having the support or skills required to do so in already busy learning environments. This hands-on workshop will focus on fostering inclusive classrooms; helping to identify ILNs and strategies for creating accessible materials with limited resources. We will explore how anyone can create an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive, and the crucial role of recognizing individual needs. We delve into methods for identifying students with ILNs and provide actionable steps to support those students on their learning journey. Through a variety of interactive and engaging activities, participants will gain insights and practical strategies for adapting and creating accessible materials that cater to diverse learning needs. We address both modifying existing resources and designing new ones to meet the needs of all students. Attendees will leave with ideas and approaches immediately applicable to the classroom. By bridging the gap, our goal is to make ESL materials accessible to every student, regardless of their ILNs or conditions.

Dominic Reed is an Educator and Equitable Learning and Accessibility Liaison at the School of English and University Pathways, RMIT Vietnam. He has 7 years of teaching experience in a variety of contexts in Vietnam.

Keiran Rossteuscher is an Educator and Equitable Learning and Accessibility Liaison at the School of English and University Pathways, RMIT Vietnam. With eight years of ESL teaching in Vietnam and Australia, and a decade of HIV education and Community Development, Keiran is passionate about equitable learning in diverse classrooms.