Yogyakarta, November 28, 2024 – Dr. Diana, M.Pd., delivered a Guest Lecture at UNY on “The Implementation of Inclusive Education in Early Childhood Education Institutions.” The event, attended enthusiastically by postgraduate PAUD students of UNY, took place in one of the lecture halls of FIPP UNY.
This Guest Lecture served as a platform to enhance knowledge and exchange experiences related to Inclusive Education in early childhood education. The session began with the question, “What do you know about Inclusive Education?” The diverse responses sparked an engaging discussion. Dr. Diana explained that Inclusive Education is not solely for children with special needs but is an approach that welcomes all children, regardless of socioeconomic background, culture, religion, language, gender, abilities, or other factors.
The discussion became more dynamic as several participants shared personal teaching experiences in inclusive environments. One participant highlighted the challenge of integrating children with special needs into regular classrooms, particularly concerning budget constraints, limited facilities, and the varying levels of understanding among teachers. Responding to these issues, Dr. Diana emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach involving teachers, parents, and the community.
Dr. Diana further elaborated that Inclusive Education requires a paradigm shift, not only for teachers but also in school policies. “Schools must become environments where all children feel accepted, supported, and respected, enabling them to develop according to their potential,” she stated.
The Guest Lecture provided profound insights and boosted participants’ motivation to apply inclusive education principles in their teaching settings. It highlighted that efforts to create equitable education are a shared responsibility, requiring support from all relevant stakeholders.
