Empowering Learners: A Practical Guide to Inclusive Teaching - Hardcover

Gunawardena, Maya; Dhanapala, K.V.; Bishop, Penny A.; Oakley, Karen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1041197640 ISBN 13: 9781041197645

Publisher: Routledge, 2026

Synopsis

This evidence-informed textbook helps educators implement high-impact teaching practices for all learners. It aligns personalised learning and inclusive teaching with psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, developmental research, and learning theories, equipping teachers with clear, research-based, actionable strategies to tailor education to learners' interests, strengths, and needs.

Bridging the gap between theory and practice, the authors offer practical tools to enhance pedagogical skills, foster learner engagement and agency, and promote equity. The book identifies six essential teacher roles:

• data gatherer and analyst to understand learner identities
• co-designer to offer maximum participation for all learners
• negotiator to offer flexibility in learning
• empowerer to facilitate learning through multiple ways
• assessor to track learner growth, and
• co-regulator to help learners manage emotions and learning

Practical activities, insights, and real-world examples demonstrate how to teach effectively in today’s diverse classrooms.

With insights into leveraging technology, fostering self-directed learning, and designing competency-based assessments, this essential text empowers pre-service and in-service teachers to create engaging, inclusive, and responsive learning environments.

About this title

About the Author

Maya Gunawardena is an Associate Professor of Pedagogy and Curriculum at the University of Canberra, Australia with a scholarly focus on inclusion and equity in education. Maya’s work is also deeply grounded in advancing equity, inclusion, and critical thinking as foundations for high‑quality learning and teaching. Her research, teaching, and leadership are united by a core priority: Strengthening school education in ways that contribute to a fairer and more just society.

K.V. Dhanapala is a Professor at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, with a PhD in English Language Teaching and Education. Her expertise includes teacher education, curriculum design, language testing and assessment, quality assurance, and personalised learning. She is the recipient of the prestigious JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship and 2024 Best Educator in Language and Literature Award.

Penny A. Bishop is Dean of Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development and Professor of Teaching and Learning. She has received several major honors for her work, including the John H. Lounsbury Award for Distinguished Achievement in Middle Level Education from the Association for Middle Level Education.

Karen Oakley is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Senior Lecturer in Educational Psychology at the University of Canberra, Australia. She has 20 years of research experience in working with multidisciplinary teams, researching co-design of systems and services, and conducting research to further understand neurodevelopmental conditions. Her work seeks to advance inclusive, evidence-based educational practices that support students with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1041197640
• ISBN 13: 9781041197645
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 170