Inclusive Educational Settings Research Articles

Analysis of Knowledge and Skills among Special Education Teachers in Inclusive Schools in Indonesia

This research examined the knowledge and skills of special education teachers within the context of inclusive education in Indonesia. Employing a quantitative survey approach, the study aimed to determine whether a statistically significant disparity existed between these two variables. The data collection technique utilized included knowledge tests and performance assessments, involving 637 participants from 26 districts/cities. The data analysis technique employed was the t-test using SPSS. The research findings indicated that the mean knowledge score (51.85) was lower than the mean skill score (73.90). The t-test result showed a value of -29.87 with p-value <0.05, indicating a significant difference between the knowledge and skill scores. Several factors contributed to the higher skill scores, including limited access to specialized training and professional development, curriculum structures prioritizing skill-based coursework, and the unique demands of inclusive education settings.

Assessing the Approaches and Challenges Encountered by Primary School Teachers in Managing Inclusive Classrooms

This study assessed how primary education teachers who handle inclusive classrooms utilized the teaching approaches and the challenges they experienced. This descriptive correlation study had 30 purposively selected teacher respondents who answered the researcher-made survey questionnaire containing ten indicators for the teaching approaches used and the ten challenges encountered. The data gathered were treated using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that the respondents’ perceptions of their teaching approaches in managing the mainstream classroom in terms of: managing teacher-student interaction were generally positive opinion of the teaching methodologies used to manage teacher-student interaction; classroom conduct and demeanor was diverse; fostering logical development was favorable tendency towards it; and there was a general alignment with constructivist teaching methods but emphasizing opportunities for improvement. The respondents’ perception of the challenges encountered in fulfilling their role in an inclusive education setting highlighted the need for better teacher preparation, curricular adaptation, and inclusive and collaborative education. Targeted professional development, curriculum reform, and stronger parent partnerships could improve inclusive education and help all students succeed academically and socially. There was no significant relationship between teacher-student interactions and fostering logical development, and challenges experienced by the teachers. There was a significant relationship between the classroom conduct and demeanor, implementing a constructivist teaching approach and the challenges experienced by the teachers. It is recommended that educational institutions and policymakers should prioritize inclusive education teacher competency through focused professional development and collaboration among all stakeholders.

Peer relationship instructions in inclusive educational settings in Korea: a meta-analysis

Peer relationship instructions in inclusive educational settings in Korea: a meta-analysis

PERSPECTIVES OF SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS ON OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN MAINSTREAMING PRACTICES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

This qualitative study delves into the perspectives of special education teachers on overcoming challenges in mainstreaming practices within inclusive educational settings. Seven special education teachers at Isulan Sped Central School participated in semi-structured interviews to provide detailed narratives, insights, and strategies related to mainstreaming practices. The research aims to elucidate the experiences, barriers, and recommendations of educators directly involved in inclusive education, shedding light on their efforts to navigate the complexities of mainstreaming and support diverse learners effectively. By exploring the unique challenges faced by special education teachers and their strategies for promoting inclusivity, this study seeks to contribute valuable insights to the discourse on inclusive education and teacher support in the field of special education. KEYWORDS: Mainstream Education, Inclusive Education, Perspective, Challenges, Students with Special Needs.

Longitudinal study examining immersing students with IEPs in argument-based inquiry to improve the learning of science

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term effect of the Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) approach, an argument-based inquiry approach, on the science achievement growth of students with and without Individualised Educational Programmes (IEPs). Through a longitudinal study design students were divided into control (no or less than one-year of SWH experience) and treatment (at least one-year of SWH experience) groups. A polynomial growth mixed modelling was used to analyse a longitudinal data set collected from elementary (grade 4) to high school (grade 11) – utilising Iowa Assessment Test data. Two major outcomes emerged: younger students in the SWH approach had better achievement growth, and years of experience with the SWH approach resulted in a differential impact on science achievement for students with and without IEPs. The findings are consistent with previous studies on the importance of early intervention for students with disabilities in inclusive education settings.

LIVED EXPERIENCES OF RECEIVING TEACHERS IN HANDLING BEHAVIORAL ISSUES OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

This qualitative phenomenological study provides a comprehensive exploration of the challenges, strategies; coping mechanisms, and insights experienced by receiving teachers in addressing behavioral issues among students with special needs in inclusive education settings. Through in-depth focus group discussions with five receiving teachers from Island Garden City of Samal, Davao Del Norte, the study exposes the real struggle and complexities of managing diverse behavioral concerns. The thematic analysis uncovers the intricate web of both academic obstacles and behavioral manifestations, prompting the development and implementation of tailored strategies, including individualized behavior plans and collaborative problem-solving approaches. Moreover, the study highlights the vital role of coping mechanisms, such as seeking support from colleagues and prioritizing self-care practices amidst the demanding educational landscape. The insights gleaned from teachers lived experiences underscore the transformative potential of empathy, adaptability, and inclusive teaching methodologies. Ultimately, the research advocates for targeted professional development initiatives and collaborative support networks to empower receiving teachers to effectively navigate the unique challenges presented by students with special needs, especially students with behavioral issues. By promoting inclusive and supportive learning environments, this study contributes significantly to the enhancement of special education practices and resources. KEYWORDS: Special Education, Behavioral Issues, Receiving teachers, research, teaching, Inclusive Education, and special education practices.

Collaborative, responsive behavior in peer interaction

Background: Interactive work with children who have unequal cognitive resources and unequal access to language can be challenging. This article explores the collaborative labor involved in establishing alignment between a child with Down syndrome in combination with hearing impairment (DS-HI) and a hearing peer without DS, during a shared interactive book reading activity in an inclusive educational setting. Method: Video recording of children in a naturally occurring, shared book reading activity is analyzed using conversation analysis. The recording took place in the children’s school. Results: The situated shared book reading is regulated by interaction rules. A pattern of collaborative, responsive behavior where the children align to each other’s initiatives is identified within these interaction rules. Discussion and conclusion: The shared book reading format has a scaffolding function in the interaction. The findings illustrate how a typically developing peer is able to align to the sensory and cognitive capacities displayed in the child with DS-HI, and how this facilitates co-created meaning-making in the interaction.

Nothing for us without us: Student-identified approaches that can support the inclusion of deaf students in South African secondary schools

ABSTRACT Since 1994, the South African government has committed itself to transforming its entire education system with global initiatives related to inclusive education. One of these changes has seen increased support for deaf students in inclusive education settings, as deaf students are increasingly being educated in mainstream classrooms along with their hearing peers. Establishing learning environments that address the unique needs of deaf students is essential for their success but to date little research has included their voices. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of four deaf students, educated in mainstream secondary schools in one South African province, to understand the unique features of their learning needs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews focused on the generation of information regarding the students’ beliefs, knowledge and feelings about their educational experiences. Participants’ responses are presented in terms of how mainstream teachers might adapt their teaching strategies, teaching materials and assessment tasks, not to dilute educational standards but to give deaf students equal opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge. Our work offers insights into how teachers and schools could implement classroom-level changes, that could perhaps contribute to systems-wide transformation in South African mainstream schools.

Assessment of Reasonable Accommodations and Adaptations for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Inclusive Elementary Schools of Tanzania

This study investigated the reasonable accommodations and adaptations for learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders in inclusive education settings. The study employed multiple case study design, with unstructured interviews, non-participant observation and focus group discussions as data gathering tools. A total of 24 respondents participated in the study. Data were thematically analysed method with the aid of Nvivo12 computer software. The study revealed that learners with autism spectrum disorders do not have the right support structures and appropriate reasonable accommodations and adaptations. The findings also earmarked the use of different materials and methods for learners with Autism spectrum disorders. Insufficient sensory stimulation and the shortage of trained teachers compromised effective learning for autism disorder individuals. The study concludes that the practice of inclusive education for learners with autism spectrum disorders in Tanzanian elementary schools has a long way to go. The need to have clear guidelines and directives on the appropriate implementation of the National Strategy for Inclusive Education (NSIE), particularly for learners with ASD in elementary schools, is highly recommended.

What does the village need to raise a child with additional needs? Thoughts on creating a framework to support collective inclusion

ABSTRACT In this paper, a group of nine international scholars reflect on the collective responsibilities of stakeholders within inclusive educational settings. This reflection was prompted by the need to identify specific elements which would support intentional, collective responsibility to support authentic inclusion for all students. In order to engender this collectivist mindset, mirroring the metaphor of the nurturing village, the group conducted a qualitative study based on structured and semi-structured dialogue, written reflections and previously constructed research to inform a framework to support inclusivity more collectively. Results suggest that nurturing spaces, empathetic relationships, supportive networks and targeted teaching, all contribute to bona fide inclusion, especially if this responsibility is shared and cohesive. Data further revealed that inclusivity is a values-driven process which flourishes when all stakeholders subscribe to common values and tenets regarding socially just educational provision. The authors inculcate the village-mindset, a now popularly received notion, reinforcing the need for active and deliberate dialogue focusing on shared responsibilities and vision. In this paper, we intend to reiterate the need for educational systems which foster more collective, compassionate and nurturing inclusive practice in educational settings.

Enhancing reading and writing instruction in inclusive environments: A meaningful and collaborative approach

n inclusive educational settings, educators often face challenges in effectively allocating time and providing appropriate support for students with disabilities. This research aims to address these challenges by proposing a complementary method that integrates seamlessly with conventional teaching approaches, benefiting both teachers and students in the realm of reading and writing education. The primary objective is to develop a comprehensive design that supports reading and writing instruction within an inclusive environment. The proposed approach adopts a holistic perspective by incorporating classroom walls, cubes, and diverse notebooks into the learning environment. At its core, this approach revolves around two fundamental elements: the utilization of meaningful reading and writing methods and the emphasis on collaborative learning. The study is substantiated by three tiny-research initiatives, providing practical insights into the implementation of inclusive classrooms aligned with the proposed recommendations. This research introduces a holistic design, and through various investigations conducted during its development, addresses key aspects such as the design specifications for the cubes, the functionality of notebooks facilitating interaction between walls and cube surfaces, and strategies for facilitating unhindered reading and writing instruction. The findings contribute to answering crucial questions on considerations for creating an inclusive and effective learning environment for primary reading and writing instruction.

Special Education Teachers’ Perceptions of Parental Involvement in Inclusive Education

(1) Background: It is widely agreed that mutual partnerships between school staff and parents of students are key to creating robust frameworks of inclusive education for students with disabilities. This study explores special education teachers’ perceptions of involving parents of students with disabilities in mainstream schools in Jordan. (2) Methods: This research employs a descriptive quantitative method in the form of a Google-Forms-based online questionnaire with closed-ended questions. (3) Results: The findings indicate that parents were moderately involved in the education of their disabled children; that these parents perceived teachers and school principal to be instrumental in encouraging their involvement in this respect; and that parents face many obstacles to such involvement in their children’s education. (4) Conclusions: The findings point to a need for policymakers to create legislation that enables and mandates the involvement of parents with children with disabilities in inclusive education settings in order to implement constructive models of parental involvement where parents can be treated as equal partners in the educational process.

Educational Robots, Emotion Recognition and ASD: New Horizon in Special Education

Technology has always represented the key to human progress. It is believed that the use of supportive technological mediators can facilitate teaching/learning processes and enable everyone to learn how to critically manage technology without being its slave or passive user while contributing to the collective well-being. Educational robotics is a new frontier for learning that can offer numerous benefits to students. The use of robots can offer the possibility of creating inclusive educational settings in which all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can participate meaningfully. The article proposes an analysis of the evidence obtained from a systematic literature review with reference to general educational robotics and social robotics for emotion recognition. Finally, as a practical implementation of an educational robotic intervention on emotion recognition, the “Emorobot Project” as part of the EU-funded “Ecosystem of Innovation—Technopole of Rome” Project in NextGenerationEU will be presented. The project’s aim is to foster the development of social skills in children with autism spectrum disorders through the creation of an open-source social robot that can recognize emotions. The project is intended to provide teachers with a supportive tool that allows them to design individual activities and later extend the activity to classmates. An educational robot can be used as a social mediator, a playmate during the learning phase that can help students develop social skills, build peer connection, reduce social isolation—one of the main difficulties of this disorder—and foster motivation and the acquisition of interpersonal skills through interaction and imitation. This can help ensure that all students have access to quality education and that no one is left behind.

Understanding Teachers’ Lived Experiences of Instructional Collaboration in Inclusive and Mainstream Settings: A Transcendental Phenomenological Approach

ABSTRACT This project investigates teachers’ lived experiences of instructional collaboration in mainstream and inclusive education settings, looking both at the factors that special and general education teachers believe hinder instructional collaboration, and those that teachers identify as critical to facilitating it. The study draws upon a transcendental phenomenological approach, with initial in-depth and follow-up interviews with nine special and general education teachers from the southern region of Saudi Arabia. The data analysis generated several themes and a number of sub-themes that helped provide a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. These themes were school culture, work pressure, and facilitating factors. Thus, examining the experiences of teachers in inclusive instructional collaboration settings revealed various factors that influence the successful implementation of this practice. Recommendations for future directions that may contribute to strengthening instructional collaboration in schools are discussed in the paper.

Feasible Peer-Mediated Intervention for Autistic Children Using Minimal Speech: A Qualitative Intervention Development Process.

Qualitative engagement with stakeholders in the development of interventions can provide insight into strategies to maximize feasibility in real-life settings. We engaged stakeholders (autistic adults, early childhood educators, early childhood sector leaders and policy influencers, parents of autistic children, and speech-language pathologists) to inform the development of an educator-led peer-mediated intervention (PMI) for autistic preschoolers who use minimal speech that is feasible to implement in inclusive early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings. A qualitative iterative intervention design process was utilized. Stakeholders (N = 15) attended an online workshop and completed a document review exploring the acceptability and feasibility of the proposed embedded PMI. A two-step analysis procedure using the Theoretical Domains Framework and template analysis was conducted to identify the barriers, enablers, and supports to the implementation of embedded PMI in early childhood settings. While embedded PMI was unanimously acceptable to stakeholders, several participants expressed concerns regarding feasibility. Barriers to the successful integration and implementation of PMI in inclusive preschool contexts included access to skills, knowledge, and resources. Participants identified strategies to overcome modifiable barriers and to enhance the existing enablers. These strategies are reflected in the following themes: build on the familiar, build capacity in augmentative and alternative communication, adopt a whole center approach, adapt to meet the needs of the ECEC setting, and engage in proactive implementation. To address barriers to the implementation of embedded PMI, action is needed at various levels: macro (national/policy), meso (organization/setting), and micro (individual). https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25155770.

Differential neuropsychological profiles in children and adolescents with motor disability in an inclusive educational setting

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the potential cognitive impairment associated with motor disability in a group of children attending regular schools and to analyze whether there were different cognitive profiles according to the type of motor disability they presented. The study had 87 participants, 31 healthy and 56 with three types of motor disability: Neuromuscular Diseases (NMD Group), Cerebral Palsy-Hemiparesis (CP- HPx Group) and Cerebral Palsy-Diplegia (CP-DP). Ages ranged from 6 to 18 years and they had medium and medium-high socioeconomic and cultural levels. All participants attended regular state-funded and independent schools in an inclusive modality. The neuropsychological assessment included the following cognitive domains: processing speed, working memory, verbal and visual episodic memory, language, visuo-perception and constructive praxis and executive functioning. A second analysis was performed with the groups with CP: one based on the severity of gross motor impairment (GMFCS-E&R scale) and the other based on the levels of manual dexterity (MACS scale). ANCOVAs were performed controlling for age and processing speed in the three analyses. The group with CP-HPx was shown to be the most cognitively impaired of the three groups, with significant deficits in visuo-perception, verbal working memory, and visuo-spatial memory. Subjects with greater gross motor dysfunction (GMFCS-E&R) did not show the greatest cognitive impairment, while those with worse manual dexterity (MACS) exhibited greater cognitive impairment. Children and adolescents with motor disabilities, a priori cognitively normal, present different levels of cognitive impairment. This should be considered when planning educational adaptations for this infant-juvenile population.

NAMIBIAN TEACHERS’ MULTIDIMENSIONAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS TEACHING STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN INCLUSIVE SETTINGS

The success or failure of inclusive educational practices is significantly influenced by teachers’ attitudes towards teaching students with special educational needs (SEN). This research explores the multidimensional attitudes of teachers in Namibia towards teaching students with SEN in inclusive educational settings. We explored teachers’ multidimensional attitudes and how teachers’ cognitive and affective dimensions of attitude influence their behavioural stance regarding teaching students with SEN. The study is grounded in the theory of planned behaviour. Data were collected from 300 teachers in the Omusati, Oshana, Kunene, and Khomas educational regions of Namibia through a self-administered electronic questionnaire. Data were descriptively and inferentially analysed using Jamovi Statistical Software Version 2.3.18.0 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences IBM Amos. The inferential analysis involved exploratory factor analysis, extracting three attitude components: cognitive, behavioural, and affective, comprising 10 items. The structural equation modelling analyses included confirmatory factor analysis to validate the measurement model and multiple regression analysis to confirm the structural model’s fitness with latent variables. The results revealed that cognitive attitude attained the highest overall mean score, followed by behavioural attitude and affective attitude. This suggests that although participants hold positive beliefs, ideas, and perceptions and are willing to teach SEN in inclusive settings, they displayed moderate emotions towards the practice. Furthermore, the findings indicated that teachers' cognitive attitude has a significantly positive influence on their behavioural attitude, whereas affective attitude was statistically insignificant, implying a negative influence. These findings bear significant relevance to education ministries, curriculum developers, education practitioners, teacher training institutions, and policymakers. They underscore the importance of considering teachers’ multidimensional attitudes in formulating and implementing inclusive education policies. Additionally, the results offer valuable insights for teachers, elucidating the impact of their cognitive and affective attitudes on their behavioural attitude towards teaching students with SEN in inclusive settings.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0601/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

The importance and challenges of observing social interactions in autistic preschoolers during inclusive educational settings: A scoping review.

A growing number of autistic children have access to inclusive education programs as early as kindergarten. However, little is known about how they actually participate in social interactions and develop their communicative skills according to the parameters of this environment. The aim of this article is to review observational studies on this topic and critically analyze their methodological choices by arguing on the aspects of communication skills noted in the observation grids. Disparities in the information collected depending on the method used have implications for understanding and supporting autistic children in an inclusive school environment. Observational studies on social interactions of autistic preschoolers within inclusive preschool settings were scoped. The studies were analyzed according to the following parameters: aims of observation, method used for coding, communication partners considered (adults and peers), type of children's social engagement (initiatives and responses), diversity of communicative forms and communication functions, distinction and comparison of interactional contexts related to the activities, and whether changes linked to developmental variables are studied on an interindividual or longitudinal basis. Seventeen studies using the observation method in inclusive preschool settings were identified. Recordingmethods are mostly based on video recording. The coding grids mainly focus on autistic children while partners' behaviors (adults, peers) are often coded in less detail, thus providing littleinformation on their dynamic role in the interactions. Overall, autistic children were found to initiate interactions much less often than they respond to it. The data generally distinguish thecommunicative forms used by children and indicate a predominance of nonverbal means at preschool level. However, a few studies coded communicative functions, whether they areaddressed to children or produced by them. In addition, very few studies compare interactions across activity contexts. In addition, very few studies compare interactions across activity contexts.Results of some studies showed that children initiated interaction more frequently during free play than during work activity, but results are heterogeneous. Developmental trajectories in socialskills seem to be associated with the severity of autism and language skills, but longitudinal designs are still rare. Direct and fine-grained observation in the classroom is a key source of information about how communication takes place in preschool-inclusive settings. The data, despite some methodological challenges, offer opportunities for better adjustment based on professional objectives. Our review highlights the importance of offering occasions for initiatives to autistic children and training of neurotypical peers to better interact with autistic children and promote verbal communication. Further observational studies are needed to use more microanalytic measures of the functional quality of social interactions in autistic children, including joint comparisons between partners (adults vs. peers) and across contexts (e.g., play vs. structured development) so that appropriate strategies can be proposed in inclusive preschool settings.

Feasibility Study on Offering Bachelor of Special Needs Education (Generalist) in Monkayo College of Arts, Sciences and Technology

The feasibility study focuses on the potential offering of a Bachelor of Special Needs Education (BSNEd) program at Monkayo College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology (MonCAST). The study aims to address the educational requirements of students with learning disabilities, emphasizing the importance of providing equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their challenges. It highlights the increasing global demand for special education and the shift towards inclusive education, where students with exceptionalities spend more time in general education classes. The study also discusses the potential career paths for BSNEd graduates, including roles as special education teachers, therapists, and support staff in inclusive educational settings. The curriculum design for the BSNEd program is outlined, emphasizing the minimum requirements and the expected outcomes for graduates. The study also delves into the financial feasibility of the program, including enrollment forecasts, tuition fees, and operational expenses. It emphasizes the importance of human, technical, and financial resources for effective program implementation. Furthermore, the study covers various aspects such as industry analysis, marketing strategy, technical feasibility, and operations and management aspects. It also identifies the key success factors, including the accessibility of the location, school performance, campaign strategy, facilities, and equipment. The study recommends additional promotional strategies, such as radio announcements and targeted advertising, to attract more students to the program. In conclusion, the study provides evidence for the feasibility of implementing the BSNEd program at MonCAST, demonstrating the institution’s ability to raise enrollment, generate income, and achieve a net surplus over a five-year period. It emphasizes the importance of creating an immersive and stimulating learning environment and recommends pursuing additional funding for classroom and lab improvements. The study aims to guide top management in making informed decisions about offering the BSNEd program and highlights the significance of catering to the educational needs of students with learning disabilities.

Impact of Parental Participation and Socioeconomic Status on Intellectually Disabled Children’s Academic Achievement in Inclusive Schools

This study examines the roles of parental participation and socioeconomic status in influencing the academic achievement of intellectually disabled children in inclusive schools. By employing a mixed-methods approach-including quantitative academic data analysis, surveys, and qualitative interviews with parents, educators, and students—the research aims to explore how varying levels of parental involvement and socioeconomic factors like family income, parental education, and access to resources affect educational outcomes. The study seeks to uncover any synergistic effects between these factors, offering insights that could guide educational policies and practices to support these students more effectively. Ultimately, the findings aim to enhance equitable learning environments in inclusive educational settings