Keynotes at the Innovation for Inclusion Symposium

By Angeline M. Barrett

The Network sponsored keynote presentations by  Professors Anders Björkvall (Örebro University, Sweden), Sulochini Pather (University of the Western Cape, South Africa) and Angeline Barrett (University of Bristol, UK). Dr. Justin Zelime, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Development, UniSey provided the first keynote. It also sponsored the participation of Dr. Eliakimu Sane (University of Dodoma) and Dr. Maryam Ismail (State University of Zanzibar -SUZA), who presented on language supportive pedagogy (LSP) in Zanzibar and findings from the recent ELSATS project.

Anders Björkvall highlighted his research on the use of digital pens with tablets in primary schools in Sweden as a positive innovation that responded to a backlash against digitalization of classrooms in Sweden. The digital pens provide a ‘third way’ between exclusive development of laptops for writing and exclusive use of traditional pen and paper, allowing children to develop both handwriting and digital communication skills.

Sulochini Pather presented on inclusion in African education systems, arguing that inclusion was not just about adaptations for students with special needs but inclusion of all children. Efforts towards inclusion for all should start from exploring understandings of inclusion within African societies, such as the concept of Ubuntu in Southern Africa (an ethical orientation that emphasizes community and co-dependence as a condition of humanity) or Ushirikishwaji in Tanzania (the active involvement of learners in classroom activities).

Justin Zelime continued this theme, overviewing ongoing research on the status of Kreol Seselwa and English within the Seychelles education system and arguing for the use of Kreol Seselwa as a support language throughout all levels of formal education. In the lively discussion that followed, participants pointed out the importance of Kreol Seselwa for developing cross-linguistic skills and communication across generations. The distinctiveness of different disciplinary language practices was also emphasized.

Watch this space!

Papers from the Innovation for Inclusion Symposium, including the keynotes, will be published next year in a Special Issue of the Seychelles Research Journal. Watch out for news of the launch at languagesupportive.com.