Context Of Inclusive Education Research Articles

The use of humour in classroom interventions with students with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties

This study investigates the use made of humour by teachers during classroom interventions with adolescent students with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD). Literature mentions the use of humour as a key tool in successful classroom interventions with students with SEBD and yet there is little quantified research on this topic. The study investigates, through a mixed methodology framework, the learning and behaviour outcomes of this method of intervention. The basic premise and hypothesis of this paper is that teachers who successfully use humour in interventions do so to establish a platform of reciprocity, much in line with the principles highlighted by eco-systemic theory. The mechanisms of humour are complex and their analysis deeply rooted in subjective standards, which makes investigation difficult. The paper therefore also reflects on the methodology best suited to the study of learning and behaviour outcomes of students with SEBD. The discussion section weights the findings within the wider context of inclusive education and draws the conclusion that students with SEBD in many ways highlight the concerns and needs of the mainstream student body. The receptivity of students with SEBD to humour thus emphasizes the need for what these children frame as ‘genuine’ relationships with teachers – not only within the context of their specific needs but in all teaching situations.

Análise da necessidade de preparação pedagógica de professores de cursos de licenciatura para inclusão de alunos com necessidades educacionais especiais

A inclusão de alunos com necessidades educacionais especiais (NEE) requer professores capazes de promover sua aprendizagem e participação. No entanto, a maioria dos professores atuantes nos diversos níveis de ensino se encontra despreparada para assumir esta responsabilidade. Visando contribuir para melhorar esta situação, este estudo teve como objetivos: 1) verificar se os professores dos cursos de licenciatura da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL) têm conhecimento suficiente para incluir alunos com NEE em suas atividades acadêmicas; 2) identificar se estes professores percebem a necessidade de participar de um programa de preparação pedagógica para incluir alunos com NEE e de que maneira deveria dar-se esta preparação. Em vista dos objetivos propostos foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva. Participaram desta pesquisa 178 professores atuantes em 13 cursos de licenciatura da Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário contendo 17 questões objetivas. Os resultados evidenciaram que 84% dos participantes consideraram que não tinham conhecimento suficiente para incluir alunos com NEE. 63% dos participantes se interessaram em participar de um programa de formação para inclusão de alunos com NEE e indicaram os temas a serem abordados, bem como a metodologia de ensino a ser utilizada. Consideramos que os resultados obtidos possibilitaram a organização de diretrizes para o planejamento de um programa de formação pedagógica junto a professores de cursos de licenciatura para inclusão de alunos com NEE.

Parents’ perceptions and children's experiences of early intervention – inclusive practice?

This paper explores the experiences of early intervention for three families in England. The case study research considers parental perspectives and children's experiences of early intervention: what do parents want and what are children's experiences? In particular the ways in which parents and children participate in early intervention programmes in order to support learning will be explained. Case study data includes interviews with four parents. The early intervention experiences of three children with Down Syndrome aged 3–4 years old will be described and placed within the context of early years and inclusive education policy and practice in England (DfES, 2001, 2003a,b; 2004a; TSO, 2003; QCA, 2000). Recent recognition within Government policy towards increased parental involvement in the learning of young children will be considered within the context of inclusive education and early years policy and practice. The ways in which parents are encouraged to be involved in developing the learning of their children and their support from professional services will be considered. The parents’ views and experiences enable a conceptualisation of the implementation of policy and practice, in relation to the opportunities provided and the difficulties encountered. The tensions identified raise questions about whether parents are receiving the kinds of support they need and expect, and in particular whether suitable consideration has been given to the pedagogic models being applied through early intervention programmes.

Inclusive Education

For some years now most state and territory departments of education have embraced policies favouring the integration of children with special needs into regular classrooms (Asbman & Elkins, 1990). Many states have recently redefined their policies. This is particularly the case for Queensland and New South Wales where quite elaborate policy documents and management plans have been prepared and disseminated. The most recent policies reaffirm central office support for integration, but now within the context of inclusive education, social justice, and the imperatives of anti-discrimination and equal opportunity legislation (Department of Education, Queensland, 1993). What hasn't changed over this period are the concerns expressed by teachers about the difficulties of implementing such policies and the demands placed on teachers in respect of workload and professional expertise (Graham, 1991; McCollow, 1992).