Inclusive
Education
Shilan K. Junaid
General Director of Educational Planning
Contents
................................................................................................................................................................ 1
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION ........................................................................................................................... 3
Definition of Disabled student ................................................................................................................ 5
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION KEYS ................................................................................................................... 6
How flexible education system should be? ............................................................................................. 7
Providing equal opportunities for all ...................................................................................................... 7
Diagram of the Education System weaknesses. ...................................................................................... 9
Adaptation Diagram .............................................................................................................................. 10
Students Case Diagram ......................................................................................................................... 11
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
Inclusive education refers to a comprehensive approach aimed at providing equal learning
opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their diverse characteristics or abilities. It is a system-
level transformation that focuses on removing barriers within the education system to ensure that
every person, including those with disabilities, individuals from minority groups, and exceptionally
talented students, has access to quality education. Inclusive education goes beyond accommodating
individual students; it seeks to create an environment where everyone feels included and their unique
needs are addressed effectively.
To understand the concept of inclusive education fully, it is essential to examine its fundamental
principles and identify the barriers that hinder inclusivity. In society, some individuals may experience
a sense of exclusion rather than inclusion. In the education system, it is crucial for all members,
including students, to feel that there is always a place for them where their needs are understood and
met. Building an inclusive society or education system requires a collective effort, involving various
stakeholders and addressing multiple aspects.
One key aspect of inclusive education is the emphasis on system-level changes rather than trying to fit
individual students into an existing system. Attempting to change a child to conform to the system
often proves ineffective or coercive, ultimately failing to meet the child's needs. It is important to
recognize that all children are unique and capable of learning, but their needs differ. By adapting the
system to accommodate every individual, education can be provided for all without requiring
individuals to change themselves. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to adopt a problem-solving
approach and empower teachers to become inclusive problem solvers rather than solely conventional
educators. Even small changes in behaviour or practices can lead to significant improvements in
inclusivity.
To further illustrate the importance of inclusive education, let's consider some case studies:
Case Study 1: A child who lost a leg has been enrolled in a school with an unpaved street. This scenario
highlights the problem of physical barriers that prevent access to education for students with
disabilities. Solutions could involve modifying the school infrastructure to ensure wheelchair
accessibility or providing transportation assistance.
Case Study 2: A student in a wheelchair asks about the location of a 5th-grade classroom situated on
the second floor of an old school building without an elevator. This case reveals the challenges posed
by architectural barriers. Potential solutions may involve installing ramps or elevators to enable
students with mobility impairments to navigate the school environment independently.
Case Study 3: A child sitting in the classroom struggles to see clearly. This case represents a visual
impairment. Solutions may include providing appropriate visual aids, seating the student closer to the
front, or involving specialists to address the student's visual needs.
Case Study 4: Laila, a shy student in the 3rd grade, remains silent during classroom interactions. This
case highlights social and emotional barriers. Strategies to address Laila's needs could involve creating
a supportive and inclusive classroom environment, encouraging participation through individualized
approaches, and fostering a positive teacher-student relationship.
Case Study 5: After correcting test papers, a teacher finds that only half of the students pass the test.
This case raises concerns about potential barriers related to the teaching methods, curriculum, or
student engagement. Addressing this issue may require instructional modifications, differentiated
learning strategies, or additional support to ensure better student outcomes.
Case Study 6: A child drops out of school due to poverty and struggles with reading. This case
emphasizes the influence of socioeconomic barriers on education. Solutions could involve providing
financial assistance, community support programs, and interventions to improve literacy skills.
Case Study 7: A student with an intellectual disability faces difficulties in understanding and retaining
information. This case highlights the challenges faced by students with cognitive impairments.
Inclusive education approaches may involve providing individualized support, utilizing visual aids,
breaking down complex concepts into simpler ones, and employing differentiated teaching methods.
Case Study 8: A student with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggles to stay focused
and organized in the classroom. This case demonstrates the impact of neurodevelopmental barriers
on learning. Inclusive strategies may include implementing behavior management techniques,
providing structured routines, offering visual schedules, and promoting active engagement to support
the student's learning experience.
Case Study 9: A student from a culturally and linguistically diverse background faces language barriers
in understanding classroom instructions and engaging in discussions. This case highlights the
challenges faced by students with language barriers. Inclusive practices may involve providing
language support services, utilizing bilingual resources, fostering a culturally inclusive environment,
and encouraging peer collaborations.
Case Study 10: A student with social anxiety experiences extreme discomfort when participating in
group activities or public speaking. This case emphasizes the impact of social and emotional barriers
on learning. Inclusive approaches may involve creating a safe and supportive classroom environment,
providing opportunities for gradual exposure to social situations, implementing social skills training,
and offering individualized support to build the student's confidence and social competence.
Case Study 11: A student with a specific learning disability, such as dyslexia, struggles with reading and
written expression. This case highlights the challenges faced by students with learning barriers.
Inclusive approaches may involve providing specialized interventions, assistive technologies,
individualized instruction, and accommodations such as extended time or alternative assessment
formats to support the student's learning and academic progress.
Case Study 12: A student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) finds it challenging to communicate
and engage socially with peers. This case emphasizes the impact of social and communication barriers
on learning. Inclusive strategies may involve creating structured environments, utilizing visual
supports, implementing social skills training, fostering peer understanding and acceptance, and
providing individualized support to enhance the student's social interactions and participation.
Inclusive education requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to remove barriers and
ensure equal opportunities for all students. By promoting flexibility in teaching strategies, curriculum
design, classroom management, and assessment practices, education systems can create an inclusive
learning environment that celebrates diversity and supports the holistic development of every learner.
Recognizing and addressing the unique needs and barriers faced by students with disabilities is
essential for fostering their educational growth and enabling them to thrive in inclusive settings.
Definition of Disabled student
The term "disabled student" refers to individuals who face various challenges that hinder their full
participation and access to education. Disability can manifest in different forms, including physical,
mental, psychological, medical, and learning difficulties. However, it is important to note that disability
can also result from external barriers, such as social, political, and financial factors that impede a
student's educational journey.
It is valuable to classify disabled students based on their learning needs to better understand and
address their unique requirements. This classification allows educators to tailor interventions,
accommodations, and support systems accordingly. By recognizing and responding to the specific
learning needs of disabled students, inclusive education can be effectively implemented.
Additionally, disabilities can be classified in different ways. One approach is to differentiate between
visible or obvious disabilities and hidden disabilities. Visible disabilities refer to physical impairments
that are readily apparent, while hidden disabilities encompass conditions that may not be immediately
visible but still impact a student's ability to learn and engage in educational settings. Another
classification method considers disabilities based on the specific type of impairment or the barriers
that students encounter. This approach takes into account social barriers, medical or mental barriers,
and environmental obstacles that hinder access to education.
However, the most effective way to understand and support disabled students is to classify them based
on their learning needs. This approach recognizes that each student has unique strengths, challenges,
interests, and learning styles. By identifying and addressing individual learning needs, educators can
provide tailored support, accommodations, and interventions to ensure that disabled students have
equal opportunities to succeed in their educational pursuits.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION KEYS
1- Knowledge of the Learners: Building an inclusive education system begins with a deep
understanding of the diverse learners in the educational setting. This knowledge encompasses
recognizing and appreciating the unique strengths, needs, backgrounds, and abilities of each student.
By understanding the individual characteristics and learning profiles of students, educators can tailor
their instructional practices to meet their diverse needs effectively. This knowledge can be gained
through comprehensive assessments, ongoing observation, collaboration with parents and caregivers,
and leveraging research-based resources.
2- Recognition of the Right to Education: Inclusive education is founded on the principle that every
individual has the right to receive a quality education. This includes students with disabilities, learners
from marginalized communities, those with language or communication differences, and individuals
with diverse talents and abilities. Recognizing and upholding the right to education for all students
forms the basis for creating inclusive educational environments that promote equality, dignity, and
social justice.
2- Eliminating Exclusion: Inclusive education aims to eradicate all forms of exclusion from the
educational system. It requires proactive efforts to remove barriers that hinder the full participation
and engagement of students. These barriers can be physical, such as inaccessible buildings or
classrooms, or attitudinal, including biases, stereotypes, and discriminatory practices. Inclusive
education involves creating inclusive policies, implementing universal design principles, and fostering
a welcoming and accepting school culture where all students feel valued and included.
3- Problem Solving and Barrier Removal: Inclusive education demands a problem-solving approach to
identify and address barriers that impede student learning and participation. This involves a
collaborative effort among educators, support staff, administrators, parents, and the community. By
actively identifying and removing barriers, such as inadequate resources, limited accessibility, or lack
of appropriate support, inclusive education can create an environment where every student can thrive
academically, socially, and emotionally.
4- Shared Experiences and Stakeholder Participation: Inclusive education recognizes the importance
of involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process. This includes students, parents, educators,
support staff, administrators, policymakers, and the wider community. By engaging in meaningful
dialogue, sharing experiences, and soliciting input from diverse perspectives, inclusive education can
be shaped and implemented effectively. Collaborative partnerships foster a sense of ownership,
mutual respect, and collective responsibility, leading to the development of inclusive policies,
practices, and support systems.
By prioritizing these keys to inclusive education, educational systems can work towards creating
equitable, accessible, and inclusive environments where all learners have the opportunity to thrive
and reach their full potential.
How flexible education system should be?
Inclusive education should demonstrate flexibility in various aspects, including teaching strategies,
curriculum, classroom management, and assessment and evaluation. This approach is necessary as
children require adaptable and responsive education rather than being confined to special schools or
classrooms. The aim is to provide a realistic learning environment that promotes integration with the
world, rather than isolating or segregating students.
Teaching strategies: It is essential to employ diverse approaches such as group activities, visual aids,
and interactive question and answer sessions. This variety helps cater to different learning needs and
enhances engagement.
Curriculum: It is crucial, as it should be designed or reviewed to accommodate the needs of all
students. It should be adaptable enough to meet the diverse requirements of learners, rather than
adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach.
Classroom management: It plays a pivotal role in inclusive education. Teachers should possess the
skills to effectively administer the classroom while considering the individual needs and diversity of
students. Simultaneously, they should maintain a structured timetable and lesson plan, ensuring that
each student participates, achieves the lesson's objectives, and receives appropriate feedback.
Assessment and evaluation: They are critical aspects of inclusive education. The evaluation system
should be designed to respond to students' needs and assess their knowledge and understanding,
rather than solely focusing on correct or incorrect answers. One of the major challenges in assessment
is how to accommodate students with different needs in a single test or question paper. This
necessitates highly qualified and well-trained teachers who can design assessments that accurately
reflect students' performance, ranging from the highest achievers to the lowest, based on question
difficulty. While it may be feasible to implement different question papers for daily quizzes or
evaluations within the classroom, it becomes more challenging during final examinations.
Providing equal opportunities for all
In order to ensure equal learning opportunities for all children, it is necessary to:
1- Establish a school system that caters to the needs of the entire community, granting equitable
access, participation, and learning experiences.
2- Recognizing that each child possesses unique characteristics, interests, abilities, and learning
requirements.
3- We must design school infrastructure, curricula, and teaching methods that embrace the diversity
of these attributes. Previously, children's attitudes towards school, teachers, textbooks, and the
learning process were disregarded or not taken into account.
However, nowadays, it is crucial to consider factors such as the child's evaluation of teaching
approaches, their learning progress (whether it is high or low), dropout rates, reputation within their
grade or stage, their perception of the curriculum (whether it is boring, irrelevant, or interesting), and
their struggles with understanding the language of instruction. These elements can be viewed as
obstacles to optimal learning and serve as key catalysts for implementing changes within the education
system.
Diagram of the Education System weaknesses.
Lack of earlier childhood Difference or prejudice
education Static curriculum and method
among groups or
of teaching
ECCD individual
Unfriendly of School
environment and access
difficulty
Local language problem
Educational system
weakness Lack of serves (health,
security, privacy
No link among different
leaning approaches Lack of education support
for teachers (capacity
building)
Absent of parent and Lack of learning sources Dropout and reputation
society roal
Adaptation Diagram
Substitute Quantity
curriculum
Time for learning
Substitute
Curriculum
Adaptation
Level and output
Alternate Goals
Participation Difficulty level
Students Case Diagram
Special need Difficulty of learning Language barrier
Sources
Need special care
Student as a case study
Access to school
Diffirent from normal
children
Adaptation
Age
Sickness, poverty and
Too young Lack of motivation
distance
Too old
