Six Key Elements of Disaster Mitigation Education
The study identified six key elements essential for effective disaster mitigation education in inclusive schools:
- Strong Initiative for Self-Initiated DRR Education: Schools must independently initiate disaster risk reduction (DRR) education for all students. Awareness and training for both teachers and students are crucial.
- Modification of Infrastructure and Learning Environment: Schools need to adapt their infrastructure to be accessible to children with special needs, ensuring safety during disasters.
- Broadening Learning Methods: Utilizing diverse learning methods, such as practical simulations, songs, and local wisdom, can make DRR education more engaging and memorable for students.
- Child Empowerment and Meaningful Participation: Encouraging children with special needs to participate in DRR planning and simulations empowers them and ensures their specific needs are addressed.
- School Management Awareness and Strategies: Schools should establish disaster management committees, develop permanent procedures, and ensure continuous evaluation of preparedness.
- Extensive Stakeholder Involvement: Collaboration with local health officials, NGOs, and community organizations can enhance the effectiveness of DRR education and ensure comprehensive preparedness.
Implementing the Research Outcomes
To implement these key elements, practitioners can take the following steps:
- Initiate DRR Education: Start by integrating DRR topics into the curriculum and organizing regular training sessions for both teachers and students.
- Modify Infrastructure: Conduct an accessibility audit of the school infrastructure and make necessary modifications to ensure safety and ease of evacuation for all students.
- Diversify Learning Methods: Use interactive and practical methods to teach DRR, such as simulations, role-playing, and incorporating local cultural practices.
- Empower Students: Involve students in DRR planning and simulations, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
- Enhance School Management: Form a disaster management committee, develop standard operating procedures, and regularly evaluate the school’s preparedness.
- Engage Stakeholders: Build partnerships with local health officials, NGOs, and community organizations to support and enhance DRR education efforts.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of integrating disaster mitigation education in inclusive settings and its effectiveness in real-life scenarios. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by conducting their own studies and sharing their findings.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Key elements of disaster mitigation education in inclusive school setting in the Indonesian context.
