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11 – 20 of over 27000This chapter discusses the significance of Sally Tomlinson’s article, The Irresistible Rise of Special Education and of her sociological thinking more generally. The paradox…
Abstract
This chapter discusses the significance of Sally Tomlinson’s article, The Irresistible Rise of Special Education and of her sociological thinking more generally. The paradox highlighted in the Tomlinson’s article, that is, the constantly evolving expansion, globally, of special education, alongside a simultaneous growth in support for the idea of inclusive education, is discussed in this chapter. Tomlinson’s influence on the sociological direction of Julie Allan’s work is traced and exemplified, and the continuing tensions in inclusive education are explored.
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This paper aims to briefly describe the experiences from the design, development and implementation of a(n) (assistive) technology course in a postgraduate programme for a…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to briefly describe the experiences from the design, development and implementation of a(n) (assistive) technology course in a postgraduate programme for a Master's in special/inclusive education.
Design/methodology/approach
Data presented in the paper are collected documents' study, and specifically from students' assignments and final exams, with the consent of the students involved. Considerations and thoughts of the paper are based on students' work, feedback and expectations as well as the expectations of the university with respect to the programme's aims.
Findings
Findings of this review suggest that, even though the programme described does not yet have a long history in inclusive technology, it offers the potential for considerable benefits for the change in the state of mind of postgraduate students in relation to technology and disability. Theoretical background is vital in order to re‐form students' thinking, but at the same time, it seems that there is a need to provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real settings, with responsibilities for technology applications for all learners.
Originality/value
The paper offers an important insight into the considerations and progress in designing a new course related to technology and disability with an emphasis on inclusive education and not technology per se.
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Sarikha Srinivasavarathan and Poornima Rajendran
The international academic literature agrees that principals act as change agents and are vital in creating and promoting an inclusive school culture. In this article, the authors…
Abstract
Purpose
The international academic literature agrees that principals act as change agents and are vital in creating and promoting an inclusive school culture. In this article, the authors proclaim that Indian schools lack school leadership to accomplish inclusive education (IE) characterized by local needs. The article emphasizes the importance of school principals and discusses how principal vacancies, insufficient training and lack of autonomy jeopardize inclusive and equitable quality education in Indian schools. Contextualized policies, professional standards for principals, research that highlights principals' perspectives and autonomy for principals are required to strengthen principals, who are the primary advocates for IE, to create a more democratic, equitable and just society.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors base their arguments and opinions on the latest National Education Policy (NEP, 2020), data/statistics from various educational organizations in India, and research findings of global scholars.
Findings
The data and statistics show that principals in Indian schools do not receive the essential assistance to implement IE successfully. A lack of adequate data regarding the subject of debate is another point made by the authors.
Social implications
Understanding the hardships faced by Indian school principals would help readers recognize the leadership challenges for IE in India. Addressing these challenges is one of the best ways to fulfill the equity and inclusion goals emphasized in UN Sustainable Development Goal #4.
Originality/value
This article is the first to emphasize the importance of prioritizing principals in Indian schools, among other agents when trying to achieve inclusion.
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COVID-19 pandemic deepens structures of division and inequality in a fractured world. Responses to the pandemic demonstrate that fundamental change to time-honoured social…
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic deepens structures of division and inequality in a fractured world. Responses to the pandemic demonstrate that fundamental change to time-honoured social organisation and practices is not only possible, but it is also essential for survival. Social distancing has prompted the discovery that connection is essential for good mental health and wellbeing. This chapter suggests that claims of the success of universal schooling not only warrant the critical scrutiny they have attracted, but there is also the case that reforms remain chimeric for excluded population cohorts. A radical rethinking of the purpose and structure of education is overdue. Pandemic tells us that such rethinking is possible.
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Lynsey Anne Burke and Duncan Mercieca
This paper offers a reflection of a research process aimed at listening to young children's voices in their everyday school life through a play-based context in a Scottish school…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper offers a reflection of a research process aimed at listening to young children's voices in their everyday school life through a play-based context in a Scottish school. Throughout the research process, the complexity of conducting this research was kept in mind as listening to children's voices presents methodological and conceptual difficulties and tensions. Reflecting on the research process after the data was collected, the process was critiqued using Deleuze-Guattarian ideas. The critique aims at opening and challenging each researcher, allowing them to think-again about the next research project aimed at listening to children's voices.
Design/methodology/approach
The research involved an observation study that took place over one week in a primary school in Central Scotland. As part of the educators' approach to play-based pedagogy, children had the opportunity to engage in free play throughout the day. Observations were chosen as the main approach to “capture” children's voices in their natural settings.
Findings
The empirical research brought forth two main ideas, that of children as agents, and how children amplify their voices through play. The reflective part offers the possibility of understanding the intensities and forces when conducting such research and the possibilities of engaging with these.
Originality/value
This paper offers a critique of research aimed at listening to children's voices. The aim is not to limit engagement in researching children's voices but to open, or make complex, such processes.
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Rahul Bodhi, Tripti Singh, Yatish Joshi and Deepak Sangroya
The current study examines the impact of various psychological factors, university environment and sustainable behaviour on teachers' intention to incorporate inclusive education…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study examines the impact of various psychological factors, university environment and sustainable behaviour on teachers' intention to incorporate inclusive education in higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data from 204 academicians and scholars from India. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to examine data.
Findings
Results revealed that teachers' attitudes, university environment and spirituality had a positive and significant association with intention to incorporate inclusive education. Path analysis showed that teachers' attitude was the most prominent predictor of intention to incorporate inclusive education, followed by spirituality and university environment.
Practical implications
The study determines the key predictors of teachers' intention to incorporate inclusive education. The identified factors can help the government and public policymakers foster inclusive education. The study determines that teachers have the capability to drive inclusive education through intrinsic spiritual views and feelings of satisfaction and happiness. Marketers must capitalize on the spiritual aspect of individuals and accordingly develop long-term inclusive strategies.
Originality/value
The current study addresses prevailing gaps in existing literature on teachers' attitude and intention to adopt inclusive education. The study examines the impact of key predictors of teachers' intention to adopt inclusive education and focuses on emerging factors such as university environment, spirituality, teachers' self-efficacy, concern and sustainable behaviour.
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