Educational Inclusion Research Articles

Inclusivity and Sustainable Development: A Case for Zimbabwe Higher Education Towards the Universal Design University

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) aims to transform society toward peace and sustainability by reorienting educational practices and learning experiences. The United Nations 2030 Agenda underscores the importance of quality education and ESD as vital components for driving the transformation of the global economy, as highlighted in its goals. In this framework, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development (MHTEISTD) is actively implementing Education 5.0 in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” To explore the integration of inclusivity and sustainable development principles within the context of Universal Design in Higher Education, a longitudinal cohort study was conducted. This research employed structured interviews with lecturers and students, alongside observations and facility reviews, to gather diverse perspectives on the current state of inclusivity in Zimbabwean higher education. The findings indicated that while all participants demonstrated some understanding of the concept of inclusive education, the actual inclusion of students with special needs was found to vary between inadequate and acceptable levels since the implementation of Education 5.0. Based on these findings, the study strongly recommends the formal enactment of the 2019 Inclusive Education Policy draft. This policy is crucial for establishing a clear implementation framework and action plan, which are necessary for enhancing the inclusivity of higher education. By doing so, it ensures that all students, regardless of their individual needs, have equitable access to educational opportunities, thereby fostering a more inclusive and sustainable academic environment in Zimbabwe.

Bullying: a Study From the Perspective of Students With Disabilities

Objective: This research aims to delve deeper into the experiences and characteristics of bullying among students with disabilities. Theoretical Framework: Theories of social learning, social systems, and power imbalance help explain the underlying mechanisms of bullying in this context. Additionally, research has identified different roles of participation (victim, bully, bully-victim) and has highlighted the importance of disability characteristics in the experience of bullying. Method: Using a mixed-methods and naturalistic approach, surveys and interviews were conducted using the EBIPQ-SEND, a validated instrument for identifying involvement in bullying associated with special educational needs. The sample includes 15 students with disabilities aged 12 to 18. Results and Discussion: The results offer a perspective from the participants' voices on their understanding of the phenomenon, the types, roles, and consequences of bullying experienced by the group with disabilities. They invite us to strengthen the body of research that allows us to understand this harmful dynamic of school coexistence, in order to offer an effective response and promote educational inclusion. Implications of the Research: The implications of this research on bullying and disability are profound and multifaceted. By revealing the greater vulnerability of students with disabilities to bullying, this research highlights the urgent need to implement specific prevention and protection measures in educational settings. Originality/Value: The originality and value of this research lie in its contribution to shedding light on the issue of bullying towards students with disabilities, a group that has been historically underrepresented in studies on bullying.

Assessing Teacher Competences and Their Impact on Inclusive Education for Children with Developmental Difficulties in Kosovo

In Kosovo, the inclusion of special education needs (SEN) in regular classrooms is growing, yet teachers often lack the necessary preparation. Effective management requires competency, inclusive training and development. This study explored the relationship between teacher competences, inclusive education training, and professional support in managing classrooms with children with SEN in Kosovo. We employed a mixed-methods approach, distributing structured questionnaires to 57 elementary and secondary school teachers and conducting a literature review. Descriptive statistics revealed that 98.20% of children receiving special education services had impairments, indicating a robust commitment to addressing SEN. The emphasis was on early intervention, as evidenced by the creation of 96.50% Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in the first grade and the active analysis of previous program data by 87.70% of teachers. A chi-square test found a significant correlation between training in inclusive education and teachers' proficiency in managing inclusive classrooms (p-value < 0.01). However, 8.80% of teachers reported limited data access, highlighting the need for further training and support. IEP goals often prioritized social skills (12.10%) and adaptive behavior (11.8%), emphasizing the necessity of thorough educator preparation. The study underscores the critical role of inclusive education training in enhancing teacher competency. Although most SEN children receive necessary services, challenges like restricted data access require solutions through continuous professional development. Hypothesis testing showed professional support significantly boosts teacher confidence in inclusive practices (p-value < 0.05), emphasizing continuous training.

Ethical leadership and diversity: leadership practices for the educational inclusion of vulnerable groups in Slovakia

ABSTRACT The war in Ukraine that began on 24 February 2022, continues to occupy public opinion with undiminished interest while causing catastrophic consequences in many areas of human life. The education system is an important link in the social chain that influences and is influenced by others, as an open dynamic system. Slovakia became a member state of the European Union in 2004, 11 years after its peaceful separation from the former Czechoslovakia in 1993. In the existing literature, there is a research gap that relates the historical past of the country to current political developments in the context of creating inclusive education pedagogical practices. Hence, the purpose of this research is to present and analyze the implementation of educational actions in the general framework of ethical leadership for the management of diversity in Slovakia. The qualitative method was used to collect the data with the tool of semi-structured interviews. The study group is made up of nine (9) school leaders. The findings of this study confirm the presence of a large number of students from foreign countries, especially from Ukraine and the different attitudes of school leaders on issues of approaching diversity in a bureaucratic system of education administration.

Retention beyond representation: A call for structural inclusion in health professions education.

Retention beyond representation: A call for structural inclusion in health professions education.

Mapping Software-Engineering Industry AI Use to Software-Engineering Curriculum: Developing the AI-USE Framework

Estimates predict a global deficit of 4 million software engineers by 2025, further complicated by the software engineering (SE) industry's escalating use of artificial intelligence (AI). To tackle this issue, our research suggests that computer science (CS) curricula in middle and high schools need to be updated to incorporate SE industry segments that significantly employ AI. This strategic curriculum alignment is significant for preparing a workforce equipped to meet future industry demands. Our initial analysis involved reviewing nine international AI education guidelines to evaluate current methods for integrating AI into SE education. The findings indicated a pronounced lack of specific guidance connecting AI applications in the SE industry with educational content. To address this, we performed a systematic literature review of 12 research papers focusing on AI's role across the SE industry, followed by multiple rounds of inductive content analysis. An industry segment was deemed "essential" if it was referenced in 75% or more of the papers' findings. Through this method, we identified 10 essential SE industry segments for inclusion in CS education: software development, software maintenance, process improvement, software economics, knowledge management, project management, software testing, software security, quality assurance, and deployment and operations (DevOps). These findings led to the creation of the AI-USE (Artificial Intelligence Usage in Software Engineering) framework, which maps these 10 key segments to the predominant uses of SE in the industry as identified in the literature. Further inductive content analysis helped us develop subsegments for these essential areas. Ongoing framework development involves refining these subsegments and gathering feedback from industry and academic professionals. We anticipate that the fully developed AI-USE framework will significantly enhance SE education, equipping the next generation of software engineers with the AI proficiency required to address the industry’s evolving demands.

Analisis Digitalisasi Pendidikan Terhadap Aksesibilitas, Kualitas dan Inklusivitas Pendidikan

This study aims to analyze the digitalization of education on accessibility, quality and inclusivity of education. This research uses a literature study method, which involves collecting and analyzing relevant scientific sources, such as academic books, research articles, and other credible documents related to the research topic. The data collection technique is based on the selection of literature based on certain criteria, such as relevance to the topic, credibility of the source, and publication date to ensure the data is up to date. The data analysis technique uses a qualitative descriptive analysis approach, where the collected data is examined by identifying key themes, patterns, and concepts in the selected literature. The findings of this study are that digitalization of education has great potential to improve accessibility, quality, and inclusivity of education. There needs to be attention to infrastructure, teacher training, and programs that support students with special needs. Collaborative efforts from various parties can ensure that every individual can learn and develop in the digital era. Digitization of education has the potential to improve the accessibility and quality of education in Indonesia. Collaborative efforts between governments, schools, and technology companies are needed to develop infrastructure and learning materials that support the teaching and learning process effectively and inclusively

Making a Difference from Day One: The Urgent Need for Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening

Neonatal hearing screening (NHS) is a critical public health measure for early identification of hearing loss, ensuring timely access to interventions that can dramatically improve a child’s language development, cognitive abilities, and social inclusion. Beyond clinical benefits, NHS provides long-term advantages in education and quality of life. Given that congenital hearing loss affects approximately 1–2 in every 1000 newborns worldwide, the case for universal screening is clear. Countries like the United States and Australia have successfully implemented NHS, leading to earlier diagnoses, improved language development, and better educational outcomes. In Europe, while many nations have adopted NHS, consistency remains a challenge. Countries such as Norway and the United Kingdom stand out for their well-established systems, whereas others, like Greece, have made notable progress but have yet to mandate NHS nationwide. This highlights the need for cohesive national policies across Europe to ensure universal coverage. Screening methods such as Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE) and Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) are established tools for detecting hearing impairments in neonates. Despite their demonstrated efficacy, NHS remains inconsistent globally, particularly in low- and middle-income regions that lack mandatory policies or access to reliable screening technologies. This perspective advocates for the urgent need to make NHS mandatory in all countries, emphasizing its societal benefits and cost-effectiveness. Early diagnosis supports prompt intervention, like hearing aids or cochlear implants, which are most effective when implemented before six months. It also empowers families to make informed decisions, fosters educational inclusion, and mitigates the social and emotional challenges of undiagnosed hearing loss. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and international organizations must prioritize universal NHS to ensure no child is left behind due to unaddressed hearing loss.

Accommodating Learners: An Adaptive Approach to Surgical Hand Preparation With Crutches

Accommodations for injured and disabled surgical providers have to balance an individual's needs with measures that ensure sterility requirements, patient and provider safety. The highly specialized nature of the surgical environment poses challenges when implementing changes in the operating room and literature is limited on adaptive surgical hand preparation techniques necessary to maximize a disabled medical student's active participation in their surgical clerkship. This paper presents a detailed account of the development and implementation of an adaptive surgical hand preparation designed to address mobility needs, enabling a student's active participation and education in the surgical curriculum. This offers a framework for adapting traditional surgical hand preparation techniques for crutches consisting of essential requirements in terms of equipment and personnel, step-by-step guide for implementation, discussion of potential risks related to contamination and safety, and a discussion on future directions for further innovation. An adaptive surgical hand preparation technique was necessary to sterilize forearm crutches for a third-year medical student with a physical disability to ensure accessibility in the operating room and equity in surgical clerkship and medical education. Successful use of this protocol, in over 40 surgical cases throughout an 8-week surgical clerkship, created opportunity for a disabled medical student to access the sterile operating table through collaboration and innovation in the operating room. The adaptive hand preparation and sterile crutch cover solution was necessary for the student to assist in open, laparoscopic, and surgical procedures resulting in high clinical performance marks in the surgical clerkship. Beyond the individual benefit, this protocol promotes the importance of equity in medication education and encourages diversity through adaptive measures in the surgical field. Designing an adaptive sterilization protocol for use of crutches in the operating room serves as an example of educational engineering and adaptable accessibility. The entire collaborative effort involving the medical student, university, surgical providers and operating room staff demonstrates the importance of teamwork in creating access in healthcare settings. Through learned experience, the authors provide insights for future directions for innovation, aiming to enhance access and inclusivity in medical education and surgical practice. This paper reflects on the broader implications of educational engineering and inclusive practices in healthcare.

Unveiling the gaps: Assessing LGBTQIA+ inclusivity on emergency medicine residency websites-An analysis of pronoun usage, diversity pages, and LGBTQIA+ sections.

Despite progress in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in medical education, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and more (LGBTQIA+) individuals remain underrepresented and often face barriers to equitable advancement. Emergency medicine (EM) residency programs are instrumental in creating inclusive environments that attract diverse applicants and support LGBTQIA+ trainees. Since the COVID-19 pandemic's shift to virtual recruitment, residency websites have become vital tools for communicating DEI initiatives. This study examines LGBTQIA+ inclusivity on EM residency websites, focusing on the visibility of resident pronouns, diversity pages, and LGBTQIA+ subsections. We conducted a review of 282 EM residency program websites listed on the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) between August and October 2023. Websites were assessed for the presence of pronouns on resident biographies, dedicated diversity pages, and LGBTQIA+ content. Data were stratified by geographic region and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Among the websites reviewed, 4.3% displayed resident pronouns, 31.2% had dedicated diversity pages, and 3.9% included LGBTQIA+ subsections. The Midwest region had the highest proportion of programs featuring resident pronouns (5/70), while the West region led in diversity pages (14/32) and LGBTQIA+ content (4/32). The limited visibility of LGBTQIA+ content and pronouns across EM residency websites suggests an underutilization of online platforms to promote inclusivity. With virtual recruitment now standard, these websites are critical for conveying program culture to prospective applicants. Displaying pronouns, DEI pages, and LGBTQIA+-specific content can foster a welcoming environment and signal support to diverse applicants. Programs in regions with stronger DEI representation could serve as models for others, sharing best practices in promoting inclusivity. Enhancing DEI visibility on EM residency websites may positively influence perceptions and engagement among LGBTQIA+ applicants, fostering more inclusive and equitable training environments that align with the needs of diverse trainees in emergency medicine.

"All of us are capable, and all of us can be scientists." The impact of Scientist Spotlight assignments with undergraduates in physiology courses.

To advance ongoing efforts to diversify the healthcare field and promote inclusion in physiology education, the present study investigates the potential for an evidence-based intervention, Scientist Spotlight assignments, to highlight counterstereotypical representations of scientists in the context of majors and nonmajors physiology courses. Undergraduate students at an emerging Hispanic serving R1 institution completed six Scientist Spotlights assignments in their physiology courses. We conducted semistructured interviews and disseminated an established pre- and postsurvey protocol at the beginning and end of the courses. Our findings from interviews with 31 students from a range of marginalized backgrounds revealed that 1) the biographical information about counterstereotypical scientists deeply resonated with students by humanizing science, 2) the instructor's implementation of the assignments made a meaningful difference in their feelings of inclusion, and 3) the assignments supported students' beliefs about their content learning and understanding of physiological concepts. The results from the survey showed that regardless of being in a major (n = 159) or nonmajor (n = 117) course, students from a range of demographic groups can and do significantly shift in their relatability to and descriptions of scientists. We highlight implications for inclusive curricula like Scientist Spotlights for addressing the issue of representation in physiology textbooks, curriculum, and healthcare fields at large.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Scientist Spotlights significantly enhance undergraduate students' feelings of inclusion and learning in undergraduate physiology courses at an emerging Hispanic-serving institution. By engaging with assignments featuring counterstereotypical scientists, students in both majors and nonmajors physiology courses shifted in their relatability to and descriptions of scientists. These results suggest that an inclusive curriculum, combined with supportive instructor practices, can positively impact student success and representation in physiology education.

Evolution of Educational Reforms in Bangladesh: A Comparative Study of National Education Commissions (1972-2009)

This commission laid the groundwork for subsequent reforms to promote universal primary education and reduce disparities in access. Following this, the 1982 Commission emphasized quality and relevance in education, advocating for a curriculum that aligned with the needs of the country’s economy and society. It introduced vocational training to bridge the gap between education and employment, highlighting the importance of skill development in achieving economic growth. This approach aimed to enhance accountability and responsiveness to the unique needs of different communities. In the early 2000s, the 2000 Education Commission further advanced the agenda of inclusive education, with a strong emphasis on gender equity and the need to support marginalized groups. It recognized the role of technology in modern education and recommended integrating ICT into the curriculum to prepare students for a globalized world. Finally, the 2009 Commission built upon previous recommendations and emphasized the necessity for ongoing reforms to adapt to changing global trends, including the need for a lifelong learning framework. Overall, the comparative analysis of these commissions highlights a continuous evolution of educational policies in Bangladesh, marked by an increasing recognition of the importance of quality, inclusivity, and relevance in education. It underscores the dynamic interplay between education and national development, as each commission responded to the pressing needs of its time while laying the groundwork for future reforms. This comprehensive examination of educational reforms serves as a crucial foundation for understanding the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the Bangladeshi education system today.

Inclusión y educación secundaria rural en Catamarca. Un estudio desde las condiciones laborales y actitudes de los docentes

The article examines the challenges imposed by working conditions and the meanings of inclusion negotiated by educators from rural secondary schools in the province of Catamarca-Argentina, within the framework of a national and jurisdictional educational inclusion policy that promotes the expansion of compulsory schooling. in rural areas. The field work was carried out in January 2020, with a qualitative approach. Semi-structured individual and group interviews were used as instruments for collecting information; the typification of teaching attitudes was used in the analysis. The results reveal that teachers overcoming the difficulties presented by rural areas, act as transformative agents both within the school and in the community.

Status of Women Education in Rural Bihar

Education is a key driver for the advancement of society, and it is essential for building the knowledge economies of the 21st century. The paper examines the role of women's education in Bihar, focusing on its impact on social and economic development, especially in rural areas. It highlights the role of gender disparities in educational inclusion and exclusion, and evaluates the effectiveness of government initiatives in promoting equitable opportunities and maintaining quality. Addressing these gaps can lead to social justice and economic progress, highlighting the need for comprehensive and equitable education for women. Key Words: Women education, social transformation, rural-urban disparity, government initiatives, economic development, Bihar education

Experiences of students with disabilities in technical vocational education and training colleges

Background: Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in South Africa is often viewed as the ‘Cinderella’ of higher education, with many matriculating students choosing mainstream universities instead. This preference stems from stigma and misconceptions that label TVET students – often from poorer working-class backgrounds – as less intelligent than their university peers. The lived experiences of students with physical and learning disabilities in these institutions are particularly underexplored.Objectives: This study aimed to illuminate the experiences of students with disabilities at five TVET colleges in Gauteng, South Africa.Method: Using a phenomenological approach, the study conducted story exercises and individual interviews with a convenience sample of 40 students with disabilities.Results: The findings reveal that TVET education predominantly serves black students from marginalised backgrounds, with students with disabilities facing significant barriers in accessing both the curriculum and the physical environments of the colleges. Despite numerous challenges, a resilient narrative emerged among these students, rooted in African traditional values.Conclusion: This article contributes to knowledge on disability inclusion in higher education by showcasing the challenges and resilience of students with disabilities in South Africa’s TVET system.Contribution: The study employed innovative methodologies, such as picture stories, to co-create knowledge with students living with disabilities.

The Impact of Educational Information Systems on Learning Accessibility in Higher Education

This study explores the impact of educational information systems on enhancing learning accessibility in higher education, as digital tools increasingly become integral to academic support, and student engagement. The main objective is to assess how these systems improve access to learning resources and facilitate communication, particularly for students from diverse backgrounds and with varying educational needs. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research combines quantitative analysis of accessibility metrics with qualitative insights from surveys and interviews with students and faculty across different higher education institutions. The findings show that educational information systems significantly enhance learning accessibility by providing flexible access to resources, facilitating real-time feedback, and supporting personalized learning paths. These systems also improve student engagement by enabling convenient access to materials and fostering a collaborative learning environment that accommodates different learning styles. However, the study identifies several barriers, including gaps in digital literacy, usability challenges, and unequal access to the necessary infrastructure, which can limit the effectiveness of these systems in reaching all students equally. Additionally, concerns around data privacy and system complexity are noted as areas needing attention to build user trust and ensure smoother system integration. The study concludes that while educational information systems hold great promise for improving accessibility and inclusivity in higher education, addressing these barriers through targeted training, digital equity initiatives, and robust data protection policies is essential for maximizing their potential. These insights offer valuable guidance for educational institutions aiming to create more inclusive learning environments through strategic integration of educational information systems.

Pemetaan Profil Anak Berkebutuhan Khusus di PAUD dan Implikasinya dalam Pendekatan Child-Centered Learning

Children with special needs often require tailored learning methods to support their cognitive, physical, sensory, social-emotional, and behavioral development. Despite the importance of inclusivity in education, early childhood education (ECE) institutions face challenges in creating effective and inclusive learning environments due to limited resources, inadequate teacher training, and a lack of adaptive curriculum frameworks. Understanding the specific needs of these children through detailed profiles can help guide teaching practices and support their academic and social-emotional growth. This research aims to map the profiles of children with special needs in ECE based on a comprehensive literature review and analyze how these profiles can inform child-centered educational approaches. Using a library research methodology, the study synthesizes information from books, academic journals, and other relevant sources to build a comprehensive profile of common special needs categories in ECE. The findings reveal patterns in the prevalence of specific needs and highlight early indicators of developmental challenges. The study emphasizes the need for a responsive and inclusive educational environment, where teaching methods are adapted to meet the unique needs of each child. Recommendations include targeted training for educators on adaptive teaching strategies and inclusive classroom management, as well as advocating for resource allocation to improve supporting infrastructure. Additionally, the study suggests that policymakers consider using profiling tools as an essential component of early childhood education, enabling early identification and support for children with special needs. By integrating these practices, ECE institutions can enhance educational outcomes for all students, fostering a more inclusive learning culture that benefits children with diverse developmental needs.

Examination of Gender Performance in Physics in Mankranso Senior High School

Despite ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity in science education, the persistent gender gap in physics remains a pressing concern. This study investigated potential gender differences in physics performance among senior high school students at Mankranso Senior High School in Ghana. A descriptive survey design was employed, utilizing student physics test scores from a stratified random sample (N = 111; 79 males, 32 females) from a population of 184 students. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tests were used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics revealed a slightly higher mean score for females (M = 43.65, SD = 21.78) compared to males (M = 39.39, SD = 21.15). However, a two-sample t- test (t = - 0.721, df = 56, p = 0.474) showed no statistically significant difference in mean physics test scores between male and female students. Levene’s test for equality of variances (F = 0.210, p = 0.649) confirmed that the variability of scores was not significantly different between genders. The following conclusion was made, while females have a slightly higher average score (42.31) compared to males (41.29), the difference is not statistically significant. The study emphasizes the importance of creating equitable learning environments, focusing on individual student needs, and promoting inclusive practices that encourage all students to thrive in STEM fields. The following recommendations was made; be aware of potential unconscious biases that might impact how you interact with or perceive students of different genders. Offer students opportunities for enrichment, advanced coursework, or participation in science competitions. Further investigation and consideration of other potential factors influencing performance is recommended to gain a more comprehensive understanding.

INCLUSION AND EQUITY POLICIES IN BASIC EDUCATION

This study investigated inclusion and equity policies in basic education, seeking to understand how these policies are structured and what impacts they have on pedagogical practice. The problem addressed was: what are the main challenges and effects of inclusion and equity policies in education? The general objective was to analyze how these policies are implemented and their implications for the educational environment. The methodology used was a bibliographic review of the main references in the area, covering legislation, programs, challenges and inclusive pedagogical practices. The main laws and guidelines that guide inclusion policies were examined, as well as the specific programs implemented to promote equity. In addition, challenges related to regional and socioeconomic inequalities, teacher training and the availability of educational resources were identified. The results showed that, although inclusion and equity policies have advanced, there are still significant challenges in their implementation. Successful pedagogical practices include diversified methodologies and the use of assistive technologies, but the effectiveness of these practices is limited by the lack of resources and adequate teacher training. The final considerations highlighted the need to improve teacher training and school infrastructure to ensure effective implementation of policies and suggested continued research to broaden understanding and develop new strategies for inclusion and equity in basic education.

EDUCATION AND DIVERSITY: BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

This study addressed the issue of educational inclusion and the challenges faced by educators and institutions. The overall objective was to analyze pedagogical practices and public policies that promote the inclusion of students with disabilities in Brazilian schools. The methodology adopted consisted of a bibliographic review, which allowed a qualitative analysis of relevant works in the area of ​​inclusive education. The results showed that the implementation of inclusive education requires adaptations in pedagogical practices, ongoing training of educators, and the creation of a welcoming school culture. In addition, structural, pedagogical, and attitudinal barriers that hinder the effectiveness of inclusion were identified. The final considerations highlighted the importance of public policies and teacher training in promoting an educational environment that respects and values ​​diversity. The need for new studies that complement the findings, exploring inclusive practices in different contexts and the effectiveness of educational policies, was highlighted. Thus, it was concluded that educational inclusion depends on the collective commitment of everyone involved in the educational process, aiming to guarantee the right to learning and development of all students.