Implementation of Inclusive Pedagogy in the Teaching of Chemistry

Abstract

The aim of the article is to draw attention to the context that inclusive understanding of pedagogy brings to the education of natural sciences with an emphasis on the teaching of chemistry and to open a debate for cooperation in the fields of social and special pedagogy and the methodology of teaching chemistry. In the article, inclusion is understood as a process of creating and improving the learning conditions of all students, taking into account the broader dimensions of heterogeneity, diversity, and language, as well as cognitive and physical barriers that may occur during the teaching of chemistry. The main focus is centered on the concept of science literacy for all, out of which comes the requirement to link inclusive pedagogical principles and the goals of natural sciences education. We bring to attention the need to increase the sensitivity of chemistry teachers to differences that may have a negative impact on learning outcomes, as well as the need for targeted teacher training for leading inclusive classes and for assessing their level of competence required for inclusive teaching.