Inclusive Approach Research Articles

The Reform and Practice of College English Writing Teaching Mode by Integrating Information Technology

The integration of information technology (IT) into college English writing instruction has emerged as a transformational strategy in response to the limitations of traditional teaching methods. This paper explores the modifications and applications of a pedagogical approach that uses ICT to improve the effectiveness of college English writing instruction. Traditional approaches to teaching English writing often suffer from limitations such as lack of individual feedback, monolithic teaching methods, and inadequate engagement with digital tools that define modern communication. The study examines how the integration of ICTs into the curriculum can lead to a variety of instructional strategies, including digital tools, collaborative methods, and multimedia materials, that address different learning styles. The main focus areas are the challenges associated with traditional teaching methods, the specific benefits of ICT in teaching English writing, and practical strategies for better integration The paper builds on case studies and data-supported outcomes to demonstrate the success of ICT-enabled learning practices for improving students’ writing skills, critical thinking skills and engagement. The findings suggest that ICT not only modernizes English education but also integrates the demands of a digitally connected world. This integration opens up a more sustainable, inclusive, and competency-oriented approach to English writing education in colleges.

Impact of education, poverty, and demographic background on maternal mortality, fertility, and family planning in Pakistan

In recent decades, maternal mortality has significantly reduced on a global scale. However, persistent inequities have undermined these advances in middle- and low-income countries. Therefore, there has been a shift toward more inclusive approaches, such as human capital formation. This perspective article analyzes maternal mortality, fertility, and family planning outcomes in Pakistan, comparing them with educational attainment, socioeconomic status, and demographics. Pakistan’s maternal mortality rate among those with a rural background is 21% higher than those with an urban background in the country. Historically, the country’s total fertility rate (TFR) has been gradually declining, from 4.9 in 1990 – 1991 to 4.1 in 2006 – 2007, to 3.8 in 2012 – 2013, and to 3.6 in 2017 – 2018. However, there are stark disparities in TFR based on demographic background, education, and poverty. Meanwhile, the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) has remained stagnant for the past two decades, largely due to inadequate initiatives in poverty reduction, education, and rural development. Pakistan has committed to reducing maternal mortality and fertility and increasing CPR under the International Conference on Population Development, Family Planning 2030, and the recommendations of Pakistan’s Council of Common Interest. Along with these goals, infrastructure development, in (interprovincial roads connecting rural and urban areas and alternative energy initiatives) presents promising prospects for economic growth, poverty reduction, and increased employment opportunities. The paper concludes that health service delivery measures cannot sustain improvements in maternal health, fertility, and family planning indicators alone. Rather, a multipronged strategy focused on poverty reduction, education, and reductions in rural–urban disparities is essential for sustained progress.

Co-Teaching: Are We There Yet?

ABSTRACT Over the past three decades, states, districts, and schools have introduced co-teaching as a means of educating students with disabilities, even though it is not included as a placement option in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the law governing special education. Cultivated by evolving federal legislation, regulation, and policy, co-teaching can address the intersection of the least restrictive environment, general curriculum access, and improved school outcomes. In this systematic review of co-teaching research published between 2010 and 2024, we found that empirical studies remain sparse and inconclusive. Confounding factors include ill-defined and uneven implementation likely affecting the fidelity of the model, lack of evidence regarding the amount and impact of administrative support, and inattention to contextual differences across elementary and secondary school settings. Looking to the future, research on co-teaching is likely to focus on specially designed instruction (SDI) and student outcomes. We suggest the use of the co-teaching framework to ensure fidelity in future research and encourage the use of mixed methods to clarify ambiguous results. Further, co-teaching applications are likely to expand, suggested by its nascent use as a model for an inclusive approach for educating multilingual learners (MLs) and those from other marginalized groups.

What Affects Citizens’ Perception of Public Infrastructure Decision-Making in a Disaster Setting?

This study examines citizens’ views on public-private partnerships (PPPs) and their sector-based preferences between private or nonprofit organizations as partners with government entities in providing public services for local infrastructures. Using survey data collected in Texas, this study finds that risk awareness and trust in institutional actors significantly influence citizens’ perceptions of public service delivery models, while a variety of information sources differently affect their perceptions. This study highlights citizens’ perception of nonprofits’ role in cross-sector collaborative governance, suggesting their involvement in implementing community resilience policies based on citizen preferences. Empirical findings provide insights for policymaking, advocating inclusive approaches in resilience planning and engaging diverse institutional actors, including citizens, in critical infrastructure development.

Socially Equitable Public Service Provision: Towards Inclusive Coproduction of Public Infrastructure

ABSTRACT The challenge of building and maintaining public infrastructure in the face of climate change and natural hazards necessitates greater citizen involvement in decision-making processes. Coproduction aims to ensure equitable service distribution by engaging a diverse range of citizens. However, the literature highlights disparities, with certain citizens having greater resources for participation. This study explores how individual socioeconomic factors and risk perceptions influence citizens’ willingness to engage in coproduction. Coproduction has been criticized for excluding marginalized populations, we analyze how multilevel factors shape willingness to participate in two modes of coproduction: co-planning and co-investing. The results indicate that risk perception is the most significant factor driving citizens’ willingness to coproduce. Furthermore, well-educated or wealthy citizens are more inclined to participate. This study proposes an inclusive approach to coproduction, aiming to ensure equitable public service delivery regardless of socioeconomic status.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PENSION SCHEME IN NIGERIA AND UNITED KINGDOM: BRIDGING THE GAP

Objective: This study conducts a comparative analysis of pension schemes in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, examining key dimensions to provide a comprehensive understanding of each system. Theoretical Framework: The research objectives focus on comparing the structural frameworks, types of pensions available (state, occupational, and personal), and adequacy of pension benefits. Method: Utilizing a non-doctrinal methodology, the study assesses investment strategies, administrative efficiency, and risk management practices to identify strengths and weaknesses. Research and Discussion: The findings reveal that the pension scheme in the United Kingdom is more robust than Nigeria's. Notably, the UK's pension scheme exhibits a gender bias, with males receiving higher income accruals than females. In contrast, Nigeria's contributory pension scheme neglects the informal sector, unlike the UK's more inclusive approach. The study's implications suggest that collaboration between Nigeria and the UK can bridge the gaps in their pension schemes. Research Implication: This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting areas for improvement in Nigeria's pension scheme. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of pension systems. Originality and Value: The comparative analysis offers a unique perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of each system, informing potential reforms. Ultimately, this study aims to promote dialogue and cooperation between Nigeria and the UK to develop more equitable and efficient pension schemes. By addressing these gaps, both countries can better ensure the financial security and well-being of their citizens in retirement.

The Great ReenVisioning: Reframing, Recruitment and Retention in Libraries

Libraries and organizations across all sectors are still grappling with the staffing impacts of The Great Resignation, as well as the longstanding need and increased calls to diversify their staff. The growing adoption of more inclusive approaches toward doing so is providing an encouraging path forward; yet we must still be careful that these efforts and the language used to push them forward actually address the inequitable systems that continue to impact historically marginalized populations. This presenter discussed the narratives around diversity recruitment and retention and how we might reframe these conversations to center equity, organizational accountability, and community care.

Navigating Parenthood in the Pandemic: Revealing the Trade-offs of Childcare Choices Through Conjoint Analysis

Inequalities that emerged during COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need to examine parent constraints in their decision-making around work and early childhood education and care (ECEC). This paper draws on conjoint survey data from a representative sample of 976 parents from the four largest Canadian provinces to examine the trade-offs parents made regarding their child’s care during the pandemic. Demographic differences in parental income, employment status, and having a child with special needs shaped childcare preferences in different ways. Our analysis finds that the most important factor in parent decision-making was type of ECEC (with a strong preference for licensed arrangements), followed by choices related to health and safety during the pandemic. The conclusion considers policy implications, including the need for more targeted and inclusive approaches that address the varying needs and circumstances of parents to enhance the overall quality and accessibility of care services post-pandemic and beyond.

Factors hindering the implementation of urban planning tools in Central Africa: Case study of reference urban plan for Sarh Town (Chad)

The reference urban plan is an urban planning tool often used to orient the development of Chadian cities. However, expanding Chadian urban centers, such as Sarh, face challenges in implementing urban planning orientations of their urban plans within the set deadlines. The objective of this study is to identify the factors impeding the effective implementation of the reference urban plan for Sarh town. The methodology employed encompasses a literature review, individual interviews with urban planning experts, geographic information system (GIS) data, household surveys and statistical analysis. The results revealed that less than a quarter (19.72%) of the households surveyed were aware of the reference urban plan. The applied logistic regression model identified age, occupation and level of education as the main factors influencing public participation in the preparation of the reference urban plan. On average, 33.33% of the urban planning guidelines and 21.74% of the projected urban projects were implemented, with a difference of 1631.28 hectares (ha) between the projected plan and the actual plan for the town. Five factors were identified as contributing to the failure to implement the reference urban plan for Sarh town, including low funding, inadequate land management, a lack of political will, weak governance and poor communication. Consequently, participatory and inclusive planning approaches, effective financial mobilisation, strong governance, and the use of modern technologies such as GIS tools are recommended to enhance the implementation of urban planning tools.

Significance, gaps, and prospects of foresight – lessons from Indonesia

Purpose This study aims to explore some significance, gaps and prospects of foresight both for and as policy in planning and decision-making, as well as an instrument for enhancing the capacity of planners and decision makers in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This study deploys a case study method deriving from the authors’ experience in conducting a series of foresight workshops and trainings in Indonesia. The workshops, which involved government officials from the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) and the Coordinating Ministry of Investment and Maritime Affairs (KemenkoMarves), were designed with two agendas. First, to apply foresight in the actual process of policy cascading for the formulation of the national long and mid-term development plan (Rencana Pembangunan Jangka Panjang Nasional (RPJPN) and Rencana embangunan Jangka Menengah Nasional (RPJMN)). Second, from the process itself, to improve the capacity of government officials in decision-making by using a more explorative method of planning. Findings The result shows that foresight proves to be a useful method that enables a more systematic exploration of events, trends and eventually drivers with which plausible future scenarios could be explored, thus leading to more adaptive policies. With regard to the prospect, foresight is seen as a more inclusive and participatory-based approach, which embraces a robust democratised process of policy construction. However, the practice is also challenging in its nature. Government officials have been prolongedly familiar with positivistic methods, hence considering the application of foresight as an endeavour of a new academic culture of planning, which requires them more time, resources and pondering. Research limitations/implications Considering the methodological prospect and the intrinsic uncertainty of the future, this paper argues the need to nurture planners and decision makers to have the capacity to design more adaptive policies as offered by explorative methods like foresight. Consequently, this is also a call for the Indonesian Government to recognise the significance of the method and to provide relevant institutional support for wider practice, or exploration at the least. However, as a note of limitation, the workshops were conducted only with government officials, thus the result should only represent the point of view of the public sector. Originality/value This paper contributes to the progress of foresight studies by presenting an original case study of the practice in Indonesia. The foresight workshops were facilitated by the authors, thus the insights brought in this paper derive from the first-hand experience of the authors. Moreover, as foresight is considered as a new endeavour in Indonesia, this paper helps provide a key novelty unfolding the reliability and prospect of foresight as an instrument for planning and decision-making.

What It Means to Be Human: A Response to Harzheim.

This response engages critically with Harzheim's review of Thomas Fuchs' In Defense of the Human Being: Foundational Questions of an Embodied Anthropology. Fuchs' work offers a profound exploration of embodied cognition, arguing that human cognition and existence are deeply shaped by our physical interactions. Harzheim's critique highlights significant aspects of Fuchs' framework, including his critique of functionalist models, the impact of transhumanist technologies, and ethical concerns in healthcare technology. This paper extends Harzheim's review by proposing an integration of functionalist and embodied cognitive models, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation of technological impacts, and advocating for a more robust ethical framework that considers social equity. Additionally, it addresses the is-ought distinction and explores the implications of technological advancements on human identity and mental health. Doede's critique is also discussed, underscoring the importance of integrating diverse cognitive models and addressing technological determinism. Overall, this response calls for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to the discourse on embodied cognition, aiming to enrich the scholarly conversation and address the complexities and implications of Fuchs' analysis.

What does it take to co-create place brands? Learnings from an academic-practitioner exchange

Purpose This paper aims to report on the insights from an international workshop entitled Co-creating place brands: sharing research insights and practical experiences towards more inclusive cities and regions hosted by the Erasmus University Rotterdam. The authors outline their collective reflection and the learnings for place branding theory and practice. Additionally, this paper discusses the need to build practitioner-scholar relationships in a co-creative style, to co-develop more inclusive models for co-creating place brands. Design/methodology/approach The report details key learnings of a whole-day interactive workshop featuring academic and practitioner presentations and discussions around inclusive approaches to co-creating place brands. The report is structured around key emerging themes and their associated learnings. Findings The workshop yielded six important learnings: 1) a key obstacle to co-creating place brands is that co-creation is often misunderstood among decision-makers; 2) all place stakeholders need to be taken seriously if co-creation is to shape a place’s identity and foster cohesion; 3) broad stakeholder inclusion in place branding can be problematic, but it is a necessary condition to the practice of place brand co-creation; 4) co-creating place brands requires going beyond marketing tools and deep into the levels of community life and place’s social and cultural construction; 5) co-creation at all stages of the branding process from conceptual development to performance measurement and sometimes unconsciously; 6) politics of place must be observed (this is crucial yet easily overlooked in co-creating place brands). Originality/value The micro-format of the workshop facilitated valuable interactions between academics and practitioners, effectively blending practical, “on the ground”-knowledge with academic ideas, concepts and models. This approach not only generated key learnings with the possibility to advance the field but also highlighted important future research directions.

More-than-Human Net Zero Futures

From industry through policymaking to academia, much prevailing sustainability discourse focusses on transitioning to a so-called ‘Net Zero future’. Central to this vision is mitigation of human-driven climate change through the decarbonisation of industrial society, principally via increased innovation and adoption of emergent technologies. This paper argues Design Research must pivot from these reductive, solutionist narratives, and develop a disruptive yet inclusive approach towards designing for Net Zero. In response to the complexity of climate change, this paper proposes a novel conceptual frame that helps designer-practitioners to challenge the unsustainable technocentric status quo. Built upon a confluence of Speculative, Participatory and More-than-Human-Centred methods, the paper outlines how this approach can stimulate close collaboration between designers and stakeholder networks. The paper asserts that, through this scaffold, designer-practitioners can reimagine responsible technological Net Zero futures which are inherently More-than-Human, that is, sustainable and equitable for our planet’s human and non-human stakeholders alike.

Time for Care: Male and Female Voices Based on Their Caregiving Experiences.

Background/Objectives: To understand the lived experiences of the informal caregivers of people with chronic noncommunicable diseases and their interpretations of the significance of that care. The perspectives of men and women interacting with people in a situation of chronicity are examined. Methods: This qualitative, phenomenological, hermeneutic study was based on Van Manen's comprehensive and interpretative vision. Criterion-oriented non-probability random sampling was used. In-depth interviews were used to collect the information. Twenty informal caregivers participated in the study. Results: The following five themes emerged: transformation of the caregiver's world; uncertainty of care; tireless guardianship and unwavering devotion; isolation and emotional exhaustion; and imbalance between caring for others and the self. Conclusions: The experience of informal caregivers reveals that both men and women face significant challenges, albeit from gender-differentiated perspectives and experiences. Men and women elaborate different meanings of caregiving, reflecting their gender roles and expectations. Therefore, an inclusive and equitable approach that recognizes and addresses these gender differences is essential in order to improve the support and quality of life for all informal caregivers, respecting and valuing their unique voices and experiences. An inclusive and equitable approach that recognizes gender intersections is required to improve support and the quality of life for informal caregivers.

Responding to AI

The influence of artificial intelligence “has enormous implications for higher education” (Bearman, Ryan & Ajjawi, 2023, p. 369). Those of us teaching in the higher education sector have felt this profoundly: after the rapid uplift in digital teaching and learning practices in response to COVID 19 we are required, yet again, to respond to a new set of challenges brought about by the impact of AI. As an example, chatbot technology is calling into question the reliability of the traditional essay as a valid assessment tool (Stokel-Walker, 2022), requiring significant critical reflection and reevaluation of assessments from teaching academics to ensure course learning outcomes are met. This presentation outlines how a teaching specialist academic working in an initial teacher education (ITE) programme at a South Australian university carried out one such redesign. The focus of the re-design was a ‘unit/year plan’ assessment task for a final year curriculum specialization topic. The redesign aligned with the two guiding principles from TEQSA’s Assessment reform for the age of artificial intelligence (Lodge et al., 2023). The first of these guiding principles: ‘Assessment and learning experiences equip students to participate in a world where AI is ubiquitous’ (p. 2) points to the importance of educating students around AI use relevant to their learning. The second guiding principle: ‘Forming trustworthy judgements about student learning in a time of AI requires multiple, inclusive and contextualised approaches to assessment’ (p. 3) underscores the ongoing necessity for universities to have effective means by which to measure student learning outcomes, especially in accredited courses. The redesign of the assessment task both acknowledged the potential of AI for use in the professional space, and simultaneously sought to ensure assessment validity through the inclusion of an interview with the pre-service teachers. Overall, the redesign of the assessment task incorporated three components. Firstly, a brief introductory module about discipline-specific uses of AI was incorporated into the online course content. Secondly, pre-service teachers were ‘permitted’ to utilise available AI platforms in the creation of their planning task. Thirdly, the assessment process was adapted to include an oral presentation (Gulikers, Bastiaens & Kirschner, 2004) conducted as a panel interview in which each pre-service teacher could provide evidence of the pedagogical perspectives underpinning their plan and subsequently demonstrate the successful achievement of topic learning outcomes. The purpose of the panel interview was to assist assessors in forming a judgement about pre-service teachers’ pedagogical understanding and application, in line with relevant criteria from Matheis and John’s Comprehensive Authentic Assessment Model (CAAM) (Matheis & John, 2024). Autoethnographic reflections on the first delivery of the redesigned assessment are provided, including alternative approaches for future iterations. The learnings from the teaching initiative outlined in this presentation contribute to the growing discussion about how we can develop the capacity of our pre-service teachers as skilled and critical practitioners who can utilize AI as a valuable tool for their ongoing professional practice.

Advancing terrestrial ecology by improving cross-temporal research and collaboration

Abstract Ecology spans spatial and temporal scales and is inclusive of the history of life on Earth. However, research that occurs at millennial timescales or longer has historically been defined as paleoecology and has not always been well integrated with modern (neo-) ecology. This bifurcation has been previously highlighted, with calls for improved engagement among the subdisciplines, but their priority research areas have not been directly compared. To characterize the research agendas for terrestrial ecological research across different temporal scales, we compared two previous studies, Sutherland and colleagues (2013; neoecology) and Seddon and colleagues (2014; paleoecology), that outlined priority research questions. We identified several themes with potential for temporal integration and explored case studies that highlight cross-temporal collaboration. Finally, a path forward is outlined, focusing on education and training, research infrastructure, and collaboration. Our aim is to improve our understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes by promoting an inclusive and integrative approach that treats time as a foundational concept in ecology.

ESTUDO DA INTEGRAÇÃO DE INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL (IA) EM SISTEMAS DE RECOMENDAÇÃO (SR): REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA

This study investigates the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Recommendation Systems (RSs), highlighting its impact on the personalization and efficiency of recommendations in diverse digital environments. Through a literature review, the main AI techniques applied to RSs, such as machine learning and neural networks, were analyzed, along with their effects on improving accuracy and real-time adaptation to user preferences. Additionally, ethical challenges associated with AI implementation, such as privacy, algorithmic bias, and transparency, were explored to promote a more responsible and inclusive approach. The results indicate that while AI has the potential to significantly enhance the effectiveness of RSs, it is essential that the development of these technologies is balanced with ethical practices that ensure fairness and diversity in recommendations. This study provides valuable insights for researchers and developers aiming to improve RSs and address the ethical complexities of mass personalization.

Internationalisation in Higher Education: Post-Covid Trends of Students’ Mobility (Case Study EUROMED Countries)

Purpose: This article examines trends in the internationalisation of higher education within the Euro-Mediterranean (EUROMED) region, with a particular focus on student mobility as a driving force for fostering academic collaboration across borders. Study design/methodology/approach: The research uses data from UNESCO to analyse student movement patterns in 23 Euro-Mediterranean countries. It considers key factors influencing these trends, including economic incentives, geopolitical stability, and cultural linkages. It also assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international student mobility and the adaptation of physical, virtual, and blended mobility formats to new realities. Findings: The findings highlight that while physical mobility remains essential, the rise of virtual and blended mobility options post-pandemic has introduced more inclusive and accessible student pathways. This shift enhances the resilience and adaptability of internationalisation frameworks within the EUROMED region, enabling a more robust response to the fluctuating global conditions. Originality/value: This study provides a comprehensive look at the unique cultural, geopolitical, and educational context of the EUROMED region. It underscores the importance of innovative mobility models in creating a more inclusive internationalisation approach that can withstand external challenges, particularly in a post-pandemic landscape.

Perspectives of municipal professionals on adopting a dementia-friendly and inclusive approach in urban planning and design in British Columbia, Canada

ABSTRACT An accessible and navigable neighbourhood physical environment is a critical part of dementia-friendly and inclusive communities (DFCs). Municipalities in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada have committed to the vision of DFCs with action plans outlining priorities in planning, design, engineering, and services. City planners and designers play an instrumental role in implementing these plans. Our study aims to understand their needs and challenges in implementing dementia-inclusive planning and design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 planners and designers in Metro Vancouver, B.C. Findings reflect two broad themes: 1) augmenting DFC-related knowledge and awareness and 2) integrating DFC approach in general planning and design.

Leading Different Generational Cohorts in the Workplace: Focus on Situational and Inclusive Leadership

Five distinct generational cohorts, from the Silent Generation (born 1920s-1940s) to Generation Z (born 1996-2010s), are active in the workforce. These cohorts are defined by shared characteristics shaped by pivotal historical events influencing their worldviews and work behaviors. Each generation presents unique challenges due to differing values, expectations, and workplace norms. Effective organizational leaders must adeptly navigate these intergenerational dynamics. This paper (1) delineates the distinct characteristics, values, and motivations of each generational cohort; (2) conceptualizes situational and inclusive leadership approaches as preferred styles of leading a multi-generational workforce; and (3) suggests the Integrated Situational and Inclusive Leadership Framework that provides insights and actionable strategies for adaptive leadership that meet the diverse needs of these generational groups.