Chapter 16: Inclusive Approaches at an After-School Day Service
Hidayat Polim and Johnathan Eckstein
Abstract
Despite the increasing number of students with special educational needs (SEN) in Japan (MEXT, n.d.a), little is known about the informal after-school programs that support such students. Through a reflective exploration of the authors’ personal experiences, this chapter highlights such efforts in supporting students with special needs within an after-school day service in Japan called STEAM+. Additionally, the authors provide background information on the day service alongside the overall goals and objectives and how this relates to providing care for the various kinds of characteristics of their students. Furthermore, they discuss their experiences and the benefits of integrating inclusive approaches including interest-based learning and game-based learning into the classroom. Finally, the authors conclude by emphasizing the role of an after-school day service in supporting students with special needs.
About the Contributors
Hidayat Polim has been involved in educational fields as a teacher since completing his undergraduate degree back in Indonesia. His research interests include teacher education and young learners. He earned his M.A. in TESOL and is currently serving as a teacher at an after-school for students with special needs in Kanagawa.
Johnathan Eckstein is a researcher in the field of using games and game-based activities as support for student growth and development. Since his time working in special needs Pre-K and Kindergarten, he has worked in various situations supporting students with exceptionalities alongside his time studying within a TESOL Master’s program.
Citation
Polim, H., & Eckstein, J. (2024). Inclusive approaches at an after-school day service. In A. Burke, D., Young, & M. L. Cook (Eds.), Barrier-free Instruction in Japan: Recommendations for teachers at all levels of schooling (pp. 282-299). Candlin & Mynard. https://doi.org/10.47908/30/16
Despite the increasing number of students with special educational needs (SEN) in Japan (MEXT, n.d.a), little is known about the informal after-school programs that support such students. Through a reflective exploration of the authors’ personal experiences, this chapter highlights such efforts in supporting students with special needs within an after-school day service in Japan called STEAM+. Additionally, the authors provide background information on the day service alongside the overall goals and objectives and how this relates to providing care for the various kinds of characteristics of their students. Furthermore, they discuss their experiences and the benefits of integrating inclusive approaches including interest-based learning and game-based learning into the classroom. Finally, the authors conclude by emphasizing the role of an after-school day service in supporting students with special needs.
About the Contributors
Hidayat Polim has been involved in educational fields as a teacher since completing his undergraduate degree back in Indonesia. His research interests include teacher education and young learners. He earned his M.A. in TESOL and is currently serving as a teacher at an after-school for students with special needs in Kanagawa.
Johnathan Eckstein is a researcher in the field of using games and game-based activities as support for student growth and development. Since his time working in special needs Pre-K and Kindergarten, he has worked in various situations supporting students with exceptionalities alongside his time studying within a TESOL Master’s program.
Citation
Polim, H., & Eckstein, J. (2024). Inclusive approaches at an after-school day service. In A. Burke, D., Young, & M. L. Cook (Eds.), Barrier-free Instruction in Japan: Recommendations for teachers at all levels of schooling (pp. 282-299). Candlin & Mynard. https://doi.org/10.47908/30/16
Information About the Book
Title: Barrier-Free Instruction in Japan: Recommendations for Teachers at all Levels of Schooling
Editors: Alexandra Burke, Davey Young, and Melodie Lorie Cook
Read more...
Title: Barrier-Free Instruction in Japan: Recommendations for Teachers at all Levels of Schooling
Editors: Alexandra Burke, Davey Young, and Melodie Lorie Cook
Read more...