How can we be inclusive?

The aim of this training course is to reflect on and discuss various strategies, methods, and best practices for promoting inclusion in the classroom. The course focuses on themes such as empathy, understanding, and encouraging participation, as defining elements of inclusive education, through workshops and other activities in a stimulating and dynamic context.

The new edition of the course “Special needs and inclusive education, the Italian experience of overcoming segregation” took place in Palermo from 22/02/2026 to 27/02/2026. The participants came from all across Europe, with Anna, Malgorzata and Magdalena from Liceum Ogólnokształcące nr II im. Piastów Śląskich z Oddziałami Mistrzostwa Sportowego we Wrocławiu in Poland, Ana and Ianire from CEIP Mata Linares in Spain, Sonia , Marìa and Marìa from EOI1 Zaragoza in Spain.

The key concept of this course is undoubtedly inclusion. This theme was addressed by participants throughout the course in various ways and from different perspectives, examining both the minds and emotions of the students.

On the first day, an introduction to the Italian model was provided: how the school system is organized, the role of the teacher, and in particular the various support figures who collaborate with teachers and families within schools, such as psychologists and special education teachers. Participants noted how the “Italian Model” is one of the few examples of inclusive education, based on the principle of not having special schools and embracing the idea of ​​”including” everyone in the same system.

To get a closer look at the “Italian Model” the teachers also had the possibility to go and see how the primary school “Istituto Livatino” in Palermo manages to put into practice all the methods and theories presented during the course. 

One of the main themes participants explored was the importance of empathizing with their students. Emotions were a key starting point for numerous reflections, stories, and experiences. By sharing their experiences, they were able to adopt a new mindset based on understanding and empathy. This was made possible by various activities and workshops that allowed teachers to reflect on the concepts of empathy and understanding.

The group then worked on the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. We learned how to shift our perspective on conflict, how to transform the strong and sometimes negative energy of some students into something positive and productive, and how to transform our own fixed mindset into a growth mindset. This part of the course was also accompanied by workshops and creative activities of various kinds that stimulated and inspired the teachers.

Another key part of the course was dedicated to sharing interactive platforms for creating personalized study plans, activities that encourage participation, and inclusive lessons. The group used these platforms to create activity prototypes.

What better conclusion than thanking all the participants, who made this course unique with their great dedication. We hope to see you soon!

Saiba mais sobre este curso aqui.