Teaching English is not always easy. Many teachers face adversity in the classroom. Adversity means problems or challenges that make teaching and learning difficult. Examples are when students come from poor families, when some learners cannot understand quickly, when others feel left out, or when there is no enough learning material.
But there is hope. Teachers can break barriers by building inclusive classrooms. Inclusive teaching means that every learner is valued, supported, and given a chance to succeed. This blog will show simple ways a teacher can turn challenges into opportunities in the English classroom.
What Is Adversity in the English Classroom?
Adversity in teaching English can look different depending on the school. Some common examples include:
- Learners who struggle with reading and writing.
- Large classes with many students but little time.
- Lack of textbooks, chalk, or teaching aids.
- Gender inequality, where girls or boys feel left out.
- Poverty, where learners come to school hungry or without exercise books.
- Language barriers, where some students cannot speak English at home.
These challenges can make learners lose interest or confidence. Teachers also feel tired and discouraged.
What Does Inclusion Mean?
Inclusion means teaching in a way that welcomes everyone. In an inclusive classroom:
- All learners feel respected.
- Girls and boys have equal chances.
- Students with disabilities are supported.
- Learners who are slow are not left behind.
- Every learner’s voice matters.
In Rwanda, the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) encourages teachers to create inclusive classrooms so that all students can learn well.
To understand more about inclusion, you can also read this UNESCO guide on inclusive education.
Why Is Inclusion Important in English Teaching?
English is a subject that helps learners communicate with the world. If we do not include everyone, some learners may:
- Fear speaking English.
- Drop out of school.
- Lose confidence in their abilities.
But when we include everyone, the classroom becomes a safe and happy place. Learners participate more, understand better, and become motivated. Teachers also enjoy teaching because learners are engaged.
For example, you can check a related article on my blog: Top 10 Innovative Teaching Methods for Teachers.
Breaking Barriers: Simple Strategies for Teachers
1. Use Group Work and Peer Learning
When learners work together, they support each other. A weak learner can learn from a strong learner. Group work also helps shy learners speak more.
Example: A teacher can ask groups to create a short dialogue in English and present it to the class.
2. Differentiate Your Teaching
Not all learners understand at the same speed. A teacher can prepare simple tasks for slow learners and advanced tasks for fast learners. This makes everyone feel included.
Example: While some learners write three sentences about “My Family,” others can write a short paragraph.
3. Create a Safe and Positive Environment
Encourage learners. Use positive words like “Good try”, “Well done”, or “Keep going”. Avoid laughing at mistakes. A safe classroom builds confidence.
4. Integrate Local Examples
Use examples from Rwandan life. Learners understand better when lessons connect to their environment.
Example: When teaching adjectives, you can use examples like “Mount Huye is high” or “The Kigali Convention Centre is beautiful.”
5. Support Gender Equality
Make sure both boys and girls participate equally. Call them to answer questions fairly. Give leadership roles to both.
6. Use Teaching Aids
Even if textbooks are few, teachers can use local materials. Draw pictures on the chalkboard, use real objects like cups, fruits, or sticks. Visuals help all learners understand faster.
7. Encourage Learner Voice
Ask learners what they feel about the lesson. Let them share ideas in simple English. This builds ownership and makes them active participants.
8. Practice Repetition and Review
Repetition helps learners remember. Review the lesson at the end in simple steps. Read more on this: How Repetition Shapes Memory.
How Teachers Can Overcome Their Own Adversity
Teachers also face personal adversity such as low salary, heavy workload, or lack of training. To overcome this, teachers can:
- Join communities of practice (like ATER in Rwanda) to learn from others.
- Use free online resources like British Council Teaching English.
- Keep a positive mindset and celebrate small successes.
- Share challenges with school leaders for support.
A Short Story Example
Imagine a teacher in Gisagara with 60 learners in one class. At first, it was hard because many learners could not speak English. The teacher started using group work, local examples, and encouragement. Slowly, even the shy learners began to speak English in pairs. After a few months, learners improved in both confidence and performance.
This shows that inclusion works, even in difficult conditions.
Conclusion
Adversity is real in English classrooms, but teachers have the power to break barriers. Through inclusive practices like group work, positive encouragement, local examples, and supporting all learners, classrooms can become places where every child feels valued and ready to succeed.
Inclusive English teaching is not only about language, but also about building peace, equity, and hope for the future.
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