In the previous steps, we spent some time getting to know the VPLP Framework and the Ecological Systems Theory.

In this step, we discuss how these theories might apply to your own teaching and learning situations.

Exercise - difficult situations in the classroom

Think about a context of conflict and/or displacement that you are familiar with. Given your understanding of the VPLP Framework and Ecological Systems Theory, make notes on:

• How you might characterise education in the context you are working according to the VPLP framework;

• Any examples of how the education system created difficult situations for children in your classroom;

• What you did to try and improve the situation or support the children;

• How you could apply the theories to better understand the educational and social environment of the children and young people in this example;

• Which of the ecological system levels you think you acted within to change or improve things;

• Who else (if anyone) you worked with to address the difficulties experienced by learners;

• Other actions (if any) that you could have taken within other systems around the learners.

Then you can use your notes to share your experience with other teachers in the comments.

Over to you

Add your ideas in the forum below in the following format:

• One line to describe the situation according to the VPLP framework;

• What you did;

• Which of the ecological systems you were working in;

• Anything else you could have done in the other systems - name the system and what you might have done or could do in future.

Finally, if you feel you can offer advice or support to other participants, please do reply and let them know. It may be that you have experienced a similar situation to ones they describe, or you can see a different way forward that might help someone else.

© UCL and the Inclusive Education Foundation (CoMOOCs Team), CC BY 4.0