Inclusive Educational Settings Research Articles

The Psychosocial Wellbeing of Children with Disabilities in Inclusive Secondary School Education Settings

Purpose. This study examined the psychosocial wellbeing of children with disabilities in inclusive secondary school education setting in Tanzania. The study particularly aimed to explore the psychosocial challenges which children with disabilities face in inclusive secondary school settings, leading to psycho-social impacts on their learning and wellbeing. Methodology. The study employed a mixed methods approach, adopting a case study design. Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from 49 students with special needs, 7 special needs education teachers, and 35 regular teachers. Results. The study findings revealed that teachers had low expectations on the academic performance of the students with disabilities, consequently rendering them little support in inclusive classrooms. Additionally, discrimination, stigmatisation were issues faced by students with disabilities in inclusive education settings which adversely affected their psychosocial wellbeing. The study recommends awareness creation among the students and regular teachers about the learning needs of children with disabilities in inclusive schools. Conclusions. The study recommends providing regular teachers who are not knowledgeable about the academic needs of students with disabilities in inclusive education settings with training and providing psychosocial support to students with special needs in inclusive education contexts.

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION, INFORMING SOCIAL TOLERANCE

This article explores practical strategies for fostering inclusive educational environments by cultivating tolerant attitudes toward students with disabilities. Addressing students, teachers, and parents alike, the authors provide concrete methods for promoting understanding and acceptance within both inclusive and general education settings. The article moves beyond theoretical ideals, outlining specific interactive teaching techniques that can be readily implemented in classrooms. Role-playing games, art therapy, and story therapy are presented as engaging and impactful tools for breaking down barriers and encouraging empathy. By equipping educators with these methods, the article aims to translate the principles of inclusion into tangible and positive classroom experiences for all students.

Primary School Teachers’ Approach to Problem Behaviour in Inclusive Classrooms in Turkey

ABSTRACT Managing challenging behaviour is a prominent issue in inclusive educational settings, particularly for teachers working with diverse student populations. Without early identification and intervention, these behaviours can increase in both severity and frequency, potentially impeding educational outcomes. It is therefore paramount to gain a deeper understanding of teachers’ perspectives and strategies concerning these behaviours to guide effective prevention and intervention efforts. In this context, our qualitative study explored primary school teachers’ perceptions and management of challenging behaviours within inclusive classrooms in Turkey. We employed thematic analysis to investigate teachers’ approaches and responses to such behaviours. The findings reveal that the teachers have limited knowledge and expertise in managing problem behaviour. Future implications for practice and policy are discussed.

Universal design for learning technologies as an essential component in preparing teachers for implementing inclusive practices

In modern pedagogical practice, inclusive education is recognized as a key aspect both in the global and local context of education. In this regard, the preparation of teachers for working in inclusive education settings becomes significantly important. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of professional competencies, skills, and abilities to work with the individual characteristics and special needs of each student. This article discusses the features of applying the concept of Universal Design for Learning to enhance teachers’ professional skills in an inclusive environment. The authors present the results of a study on the effectiveness of teachers in inclusive practice conducted within the framework of the program-targeted financing by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan BR21882231 «Conceptual Model for Ensuring Inclusivity and Accessibility in the Secondary Education System of Kazakhstan» (2023–2025).

Barriers and Facilitators to Inclusive Education for Learners Who Are Deafblind: A Scoping Review

The case of Hellen Keller presents a great example of what a learner who is deafblind can achieve if provided with the appropriate educational accommodation in terms of content, environment, learning approach, instructional strategies, and teaching methodologies. However, access to education is not the reality for most learners who are deafblind due to their unique educational needs, owing to their dual sensory impairment. There has been an assertion that learners who are deafblind may not thrive in inclusive educational spaces, but there is a paucity of research to support or dispute this assertion. This scoping review explored what is documented in the literature on the barriers and facilitators to inclusive education for learners who are deafblind. A scoping review methodology using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework was employed. A search was conducted using six databases, including Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus Medline, ProQuest and gray literature, to identify publications focusing on the barriers and facilitators to inclusive education for learners who are deafblind. The findings from the scoping review suggest that the factors that influence the inclusion of learners who are deafblind in inclusive educational settings include the availability of educational settings; accessibility to the physical and social environment, and assistive devices; acceptability by peers and educators and the preparedness of educators; and the adaptability of classroom strategies. For learners who are deafblind to thrive in inclusive educational settings, transformational attitudes and intentional and specific strategies from multiple stakeholders are necessary. Therefore, the educational system, schools, peers and communities should be deliberate in putting in place specialized support and resources to accommodate the diverse needs of learners who are deafblind in all phases of their schooling life.

Differentiation of Educational Content Through Artificial Intelligence Systems in Inclusive Education

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems into education offers transformative potential for personalized learning, particularly within inclusive education frameworks. This research examines the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) for the differentiation of educational content to cater to the diverse needs of students. By examining current AI applications and their associated benefits and challenges, this study proposes a framework for the ethical and effective use of AI in inclusive educational settings.

Enhancing Pedagogical Competence in Inclusive Early Childhood Education through Interactive Digital Modules: A Pre-Experimental Study

One of the primary challenges in early childhood education (ECE) is ensuring that teachers possess the necessary pedagogical competence to effectively support diverse learners, particularly in inclusive education settings where students with special needs require tailored teaching strategies. This study explores the effectiveness of interactive digital modules in enhancing the pedagogical competence of early childhood education (ECE) teachers in inclusive settings. Using a quantitative pre-experimental design, 70 teachers from 12 inclusive ECE institutions participated in pre-and post-tests to assess their pedagogical skills before and after module exposure. Results show a significant increase in post-test scores, with an average improvement from 50 to 89, confirmed by a paired sample t-test (p < 0.01). The N-Gain analysis revealed a high level of effectiveness, with an average score of 0.78, indicating that the modules substantially improved teacher competencies. However, the lack of a control group limits the study’s ability to attribute improvements solely to the intervention. Other factors, such as previous teaching experience or additional resources, may have influenced the outcomes. Despite this limitation, the findings suggest that interactive digital modules are valuable for advancing pedagogical skills in inclusive education. These results have important implications for teacher professional development, supporting integrating of digital tools into ECE teachers' training programs. Future research should employ more rigorous experimental designs, including control groups, to better isolate the impact of digital modules and investigate their long-term effects on teaching competence and student outcomes in inclusive environments.

Mathematical literacy learning environment for inclusive education teachers: A framework

The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 study revealed low mathematical literacy scores among students, including those in inclusive education settings. A significant factor contributing to this issue is the inadequate capacity of teachers to effectively teach mathematical literacy. In response, this study aimed to design a mathematical literacy learning environment framework to enhance teachers' theoretical and practical understanding of teaching mathematical literacy in schools. The research employed a design research methodology, specifically the development study type, which involved preliminary research, prototype development, and evaluation stages. This paper focuses on the preliminary research phase, where data were collected through literature reviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with teachers from inclusive schools. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively and descriptively. The study successfully developed a framework for a mathematical literacy learning environment that integrates courses, social media, and community engagement. This framework is intended to serve as a comprehensive reference for improving teachers' capacity to teach and assess students' mathematical literacy in a more holistic manner.

How signature strengths develop positive interdependence and empowerment in an inclusive education context

AbstractThis study evaluates the Individual Strengths, Collective Power! program in fostering students' use of strengths vocabulary and improving classroom relationships in an inclusive education setting in Switzerland, where students with and without special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) attend school together. The study involved 179 students, ages 8 to 12, divided into an experimental group that received specific training and an active control group that had access to program resources, regardless of their SEND status. The study used the Strengths Use Scale (SUS) and the Gratitude Questionnaire to measure students' awareness of their strengths and gratitude. In addition, a sociometric measure, the Peer Acceptance Index (PAI), was developed to assess classroom dynamics. Results indicate that strengths‐based interventions significantly expanded students' vocabulary of strengths and increased positive discourse, particularly among girls. Time and age were the main predictors of positive peer commentary, rather than the interventions themselves, which had no significant effect on PAI scores. The study suggests that strengths‐based tools, even without guided use, can positively influence students' language about strengths, although they did not change classroom relationships within the 9‐week period. Further research is recommended to explore the specific effects and mechanisms of strengths‐based interventions in inclusive settings.

Differentiated Instruction in Improving Students’ Task-persistence in Inclusive Education Settings: The Mediating Effects on Prior-achievement Gaps

Differentiated Instruction in Improving Students’ Task-persistence in Inclusive Education Settings: The Mediating Effects on Prior-achievement Gaps

Optimizing Collaboration Between OTs & Teachers in Inclusive Education: Key Considerations for a Joint Knowledge Translation Intervention

Abstract Date Presented 03/23/24 This presentation will highlight key considerations related to collaboration between OTs and teachers in inclusive education settings. These findings inform the development of a joint knowledge transfer training to optimize collaborative practices. Primary Author and Speaker: Lina Ianni Contributing Authors: Dana Anaby, Chantal Camden

Promoting inclusion for disabled students in healthcare education: Using research-based theatre to enhance knowledge and empathy

AimThis study explores and compares the impact of in-person and online versions of a Research-based Theatre production named "Alone in the Ring," aimed at increasing knowledge and fostering positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities in healthcare professions. The study examines changes in attitudes towards disabled persons in healthcare professions, levels of engagement in the play and knowledge about the experiences and challenges of disabled individuals in healthcare professions. It also investigates possible actions to increase inclusion for disabled persons in healthcare education and practice. BackgroundDisabled students face numerous barriers in healthcare education and practice, many of which are rooted in stigma and negative attitudes. Research-based Theatre promotes experiential learning to address these attitudes and stereotypes. The performance "Alone in the Ring" is based on a comprehensive study of the experiences of disabled students and clinicians in health professions, aiming to promote inclusion for students with disabilities in these fields. DesignThis study uses a pre-test and post-test design with two comparison groups. MethodThe study employed an explanatory sequential mixed method design to explore the impact of online versus in-person Research-based Theatre teaching in healthcare education. Participants were graduate health students (N = 198); 100 watched the in-person version and 98 watched the online version. Surveys were administered before and after the performance. Participants were also invited to share their experiences in semi-structured interviews and their responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. ResultsResults indicated that students generally felt more comfortable with disabled persons in healthcare professions in the post-survey compared to the pre-survey, with online participants reporting greater comfort and higher engagement than those in-person. Knowledge of disabled persons' experiences and challenges, as well as possible actions to increase belonging and inclusion, improved significantly for both groups from pre- to post-performance, with online participants showing a greater change. Qualitative data revealed that online theatre was perceived as authentic and beneficial for accessibility, engagement and emotional impact on students, though challenges included potential distractions and technological issues. Positive correlations were found between changes in knowledge, positive attitude and engagement, suggesting that increased engagement and a shift in attitudes can promote knowledge and awareness of the inclusion of disabled persons in healthcare professions. ConclusionThese results support the use of online theatre-based academic teaching that experientially engages students, increases empathy and can promote more inclusive healthcare educational settings for disabled persons.

Turkish parents’ perspectives on the roles and responsibilities of paraeducators: framing experiences

Objectives Paraeducators provide crucial support for individuals with special needs in inclusive educational settings, but their roles and responsibilities lack clarity. The resulting ambiguity emphasizes the need for clear role definitions. In inclusive education, paraeducators are perceived as the individuals who are most in communication with families. In this process, the perspectives of parents, who are important stakeholders, are crucial. Our purpose in this study was to examine the experiences and perspectives of parents with respect to the assistance given by paraeducators in inclusive educational settings. Methods We used a phenomenological research design to collect data, and we conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 parents of children with special needs. We reached the participants through snowball sampling. We collected the data using a 11-item Parent Interview Form developed based on the literature and expert opinion. We analyzed the data through thematic analysis. Results Data analysis revealed five themes: (a) preservice process; (b) employment process; (c) experiences and views related to roles and responsibilities during school time; (d) experiences and views related to roles and responsibilities outside of school time; and (e) expectations, needs, and recommendations. Conclusions The findings emphasize the importance of legal regulations, clear guidelines, and standardized qualifications for employing paraeducators in schools. We found that families managed the pre-service process on their own without any support. In the service processes, paraeducators were found to take on complex and non-standard roles. Among the issues reported by families as needs were the implementation of paraeducator supports within an official structure and training programs to enhance paraeducator qualifications. Additionally, families reported financial support needs in paraeducator employment. Based on the research findings, we can propose the establishment of vocational training institutions for paraeducator training and the planning of paraeducator employment in schools by official institutions within a specific protocol framework.

Unlocking the path: Exploring parental perception and coping strategies amidst special education challenges within mainstream educational settings in Israel

AbstractWithin the dynamic context of inclusive education for children with special needs in Israel, parents play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. The present study focuses on the experiences of parents with children who have special needs in inclusive educational frameworks in Israel. Using an interpretive phenomenological approach, qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 10 parents of children with special needs who are enrolled in inclusive educational settings, either in mainstream classrooms or kindergartens. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using theoretical thematic analysis, which yielded four main themes: persistent conflict, challenges in choosing educational settings, proactive coping strategies and interaction with educational settings. The study highlights conflicts with other parents, difficulties in decision‐making, and lack of adequate support from the system. Findings underscore the necessity for enhanced organizational frameworks, more proficient staff and supportive environments to effectively include children with special needs into mainstream education in Israel.

Opinions of Teachers on Virtual Education Process of Primary School Students with Disabilities Continuing Inclusive Education

With the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world in 2019, human life has moved to a different dimension. Accordingly, the education process was carried out remotely in Turkey as well as in the rest of the world. Virtual education was not a new concept for societies, but conducting the entire education process remotely was a very different practice and this practice brought many problems with it. In this context, this study aims to determine the opinions of teachers after the pandemic regarding the virtual education process of primary school students with disabilities who continue inclusive education settings. For this purpose, qualitative research was conducted and data were collected by conducting semi-structured individual interviews with 10 primary school teachers who have students with disabilities in their class. The data were analyzed by content analysis. Research results revealed that teachers did not have any problems in involving students with disabilities who were supported by their parents and who did not have any infrastructure problems in terms of technical equipment, but they have problems in including some children in virtual education. Teachers had difficulty in following the education of students with disabilities during the virtual education process implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, it is a very important issue that our national action plans are ready for the education process of students with disabilities, especially for situations such as pandemics and natural disasters that have recently occurred in our country.

고교학점제 선택과목 운영 방안과 지원에 관한 고등학교 특수학급 교사의 인식과 요구

This study explored the perceptions and needs of special education teachers regarding the operation plans and support for high school credit elective courses for students with special needs in inclusive education settings. A survey was conducted targeting 195 high school special education teachers across the country. The results of this study showed that teachers perceived that elective subjects can provide customized academic and career guidance for students with disabilities however, they also noted that the low desire of students with disabilities in various subjects and range of participating students should be taken into consideration. Additionally, it was recognized that additional special education teachers and specific guidelines are needed to operate elective subjects. In the case of online elective courses, it was recognized that blended learning and the development of online contents for different types of disabilities are necessary that it is appropriate to operate inter-school co-curricular programs as blended co-curricular programs within regular school hours on a fixed base school. For out-of-school education, it was recognized that the district office of education should provide both out-of-school education and classes taught by external experts in schools, and that it is necessary to secure out-of-school educational institutions and manage their quality. In order to operate elective courses for students with special needs in an inclusive education environment, the school-level support for students’ mobility is important, moreover, itinerant special teachers are needed to provide elective subjects at both the district and national levels. Based on these results, implication for the operation of high school credit elective courses for students with special needs in inclusive education settings and suggestions for further research are discussed.

Is inclusive education for children with special educational needs and disabilities an impossible dream?

Countries have been implementing inclusive educational practices for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) for at least 30 years. Some issues continue to present as unresolved and will be examined in this paper with possible ways forward suggested. 1. There is still a lack of clarity around the definition of inclusion, its theoretical underpinnings, its implementation in practice and evaluation of success. 2. Teachers often still report the same problems of insufficient resources and express the same concerns about lack of skills and knowledge as reported in the early days. 3. A key question is, do children with SEND achieve better outcomes in inclusive educational settings? The paper argues that an overarching executive framework applied to the education of children with SEND is needed to provide a common frame of reference that can be shared by educators, policymakers and researchers. New ways of resourcing inclusion are discussed including supporting collaboration between mainstream and special schools to better utilize the expertise located in special schools. The paper examines the evidence for improved academic and social outcomes for learners with SEND in inclusive schools and proposes that psychological outcomes now need to be measured too. It further suggests that future research needs to drill down to the level of teacher classroom instruction rather than rely on the broader mainstream school-special school comparison.

Unveiling Potential: Fostering Students’ Self-Concepts in Science Education by Designing Inclusive Educational Settings

Unveiling Potential: Fostering Students’ Self-Concepts in Science Education by Designing Inclusive Educational Settings

Exploring collaborative practices between teachers and speech and language therapists in inclusive education in Chile and the conditions that influence their development

AbstractThis study examined the collaborative practices between teachers and speech and language therapists (SLTs) within an inclusive setting, interviewing 17 professionals’ couples. Three distinct phases of collaboration were identified: planning (e.g. reviewing student performance), co‐teaching in the classroom, and evaluation (reflecting upon joint activities). Conditions fostering collaboration were categorized into individual (interpersonal relationships), school‐based (directive management) and policy (current regulations) dimensions. Findings suggest that the extent of collaboration varies and is influenced by interconnected conditions. This research enriches the literature by offering a classification of collaborative work between teachers and SLTs and underscores the conditions impacting it, and is invaluable for stakeholders aiming to advance inclusive educational settings.

Impact of Language Diversity on the Secondary School Learning Process in Nyamagana District, Tanzania

This qualitative study, conducted in Nyamagana District, Tanzania, aimed to comprehensively explore the impact of linguistic diversity on the learning process within secondary education. Employing interviews, classroom observations and a literature review, the study investigated the multifaceted nature of linguistic diversity, revealing communication barriers that hindered students’ comprehension and participation. Teachers employed diverse strategies, including bilingual instruction and visual aids, to address these challenges. Recommendations included the development of language support programs and investments in teacher development for the effective management of linguistic diversity, fostering equitable and inclusive learning environments. The study contributed crucial insights for stakeholders committed to creating culturally rich and inclusive educational settings in Nyamagana District's secondary schools.