The purpose of this study was threefold: (a) to explore teachers’ knowledge and beliefs about inquiry within an inclusive classroom, (b) to determine teachers’ perceptions of the influence of inquiry within their practice, (c) to examine teachers’ challenges and barriers to implementing inquiry within an inclusive classroom. This in-depth case study employed interviews, observations, and focus group discussions to gather qualitative data concerning this phenomenon. The participants included three science teachers (two elementary, one middle school) and one middle school Social Studies and English Language Arts (ELA) teacher. This study took place at a private school in a suburban area in a Midwestern city in the United States. The study findings showed the complexity of understanding teachers’ perceptions and how teachers’ beliefs conflicted with their practice. Teachers held different views about the meaning of inquiry and most lacked a solid understanding of the process of inquiry; this could be attributed to a lack of relevant professional development during their preparation program or education. Some teachers believed that having students with different abilities and skill levels was more challenging than implementing inquiry. However, most of the teachers were unsure about what inquiry was. The science teachers expressed more sustentative substantive challenges with implementing inquiry, standards, and literacy. The results of this study suggest that educators clarify the meaning of inquiry and simplify the process of implementing it with the assistance of definitive professional development. Teacher educators need to provide a course for teaching methods that implement inquiry in conjunction with inclusive education to especially improve science education. When implementing inquiry, teachers need to recognize the importance of challenging students to think by providing critical-thinking questions in a non-threatening way.

The concepts of an inclusive classroom, inclusion, co-teaching, and disability have been called poorly defined and in need of fresh conceptual analyses. In Chapter 1, I respond to this call for further analysis and then demonstrate, using current educational headlines, that these concepts of `an inclusive classroom,' `inclusion,' `co-teaching,' and `having a disability' are not just issues that are discussed in academia, but are also current issues in schools, courtrooms, and statehouses. In Chapter 2, the Literature Review examines philosophical literature of inclusive education, legislative and judicial history, and service delivery models for special education. In Chapter 3, Methods: A Conceptual Analysis, we examine the history and practice of conceptual analysis, and then look at the models of conceptual analysis as detailed by Jonas Soltis. Chapter 4, Conceptual Analyses, is the core of this dissertation, containing a generic analysis of the `inclusive classroom,' differentiation analyses of `inclusion,' and `co-teaching,' and a generic analysis of `having a disability.' Finally, in Chapter 5, Discussion, we examine implications for further research and conclusions.

Prior to the advent of the new democratic political dispensation in 1994, South African education had laboured under racially motivated discriminatory practices of active exclusion of the majority of learners. The authoritarian system located educational problems in the perceived deficiencies of the learner rather than in the repressive, top-down, non-participative, unreflective and uninclusive practices of the prevailing educational orthodoxy of the time. After 1994, the broader reconceptualisation of South African education sought to redress the imbalances of the past by creating equal opportunities for all learners, irrespective of race or creed. However, the difficult conundrum was how such a complex systemic change could be driven by teachers who had not only been trained in a heavily segregated educational system but formed part of it. Therefore, the aim of the thesis was to determine how teachers conceptualised inclusive teaching, explore the teaching practices that were believed to be effective in promoting inclusion in the South African secondary classrooms, and determine how they could be developed. The two-dimensional research study firstly took the form of a qualitative collaborative action research project conducted with a team of fifteen teachers at a single South African secondary school. The project was non-positivistic, critical, emancipatory and allowed the participants jointly to define the constructs of inclusive education, inclusive teaching and inclusive class; to identify practices of inclusion through observation; to adopt other practices in their classes; to determine the effect of such practices on inclusive teaching and learning; and finally to draw conclusions about the specific practices that were clearly effective in the context of their school. Secondly, an inductive analytical framework was used by the researcher to determine the theoretical contribution the study would make to the notion of developing inclusive teaching practices and determining the way this could be achieved within the South African school context. Data were collected through a series of meetings, participant observations, focus-group interviews, and one-on-one semi-structured interviews during the action-research stages of planning, action and reflection. Limitations were the teacher-researchers' lack of experience in conducting research and the limited time the research team had to complete the research tasks. The findings indicate that, at the time of the research, the conceptualisations of inclusive teaching and inclusive pedagogy were varied and continued to be influenced by the former special-needs education system. Moreover, the findings show that, while the inclusive practices identified by the teachers in this study are popular in the international literature, they need to be contextualised in and made relevant to the South African situation. However, it is clear that the teachers' experience of participating in the action-research process had raised their awareness of the importance of inclusive teaching, promoted a sense of emancipation, and held out the prospect of successful and possibly lasting change. These findings clearly imply that the reconceptualisation of inclusive pedagogy should always take place within a specific context, and that South African teachers in particular should form communities of inquiry to reflect on and develop their inclusive practices. The study has captured the essence of inclusion within the South African school context and has identified areas that need further research, for example the impact of different cultural beliefs on both teachers and learners in relation to inclusion. In conclusion, the study has demonstrated the unique contribution of action research in promoting continuous reflection, revision and intervention as indispensable procedures in the process of improving inclusive teaching and learning.

In Saudi Arabia, students with disabilities have historically received education in special and segregated schools. As times progressed, regulations and laws changed the manner in which students with disabilities were served. Regulations order that students with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment; however, preservice teachers’ perspectives continue to differ in regard to working with students with disabilities in a general education setting. Research has shown that teachers who portray positive attitudes towards inclusion are more likely to work with students with disabilities in an inclusive classroom (Dev & Hayes, 2015). Today, inclusion has occurred in schools around the country; it is the educator’s responsibility to modify instruction in order to teach all students in the inclusive classroom. In order to investigate preservice teachers’ perspective toward inclusion in Saudi Arabia, this study used interviews with seven preservice teachers from the University of Umm Al-Qura. Six major themes emerged from the interview data, which represent Saudi special education preservice teachers’ perspectives toward inclusion, reasons for their perspective and recommendations including (1) negative perspective toward inclusion, (2) reasons related to students with disabilities’ condition and personality, (3) reasons related to the university, (4) reasons related to schools, (5) demand for more hands-on experience, (6) need to spread awareness among in-service teachers, principal, staff and community. Findings of the study and aspects related to the preservice teachers’ perspectives are discussed in detail, as well as implications of the findings and recommendations for future research.

In 1997, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was amended to emphasize the need for students with disabilities to have access to the general curriculum. Along with IDEA, No Child Left Behind (NCLB), emphasized that all children must have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education (Sec. 1001, Part A, Title 1 of ESEA; 20U.S.C. 6301) increasing the need for effective inclusion classrooms in schools around the country. This study evaluated six inclusive classrooms (three partial and three full) from a large metropolitan school district in Florida. The classrooms' best practices were assessed using the Inclusive Classroom Profile (ICP). The ICP is a 7-point rating scale conducted through an observation procedure that is designed to assess the quality of daily classroom practices of children with disabilities (Soukakou, 2007). Teacher characteristics, student characteristics, and classroom characteristics were gathered from all classrooms and analyzed through correlation tests with the ICP scores. Although statistical results did not demonstrate statistically significant data in regards to the strength of relationships between these characteristics and ICP scores, the direction of the relationship on the following characteristics: related experience, severity of disabilities, and level of support, revealed a possible impact on ICP scores.

During the last decade, the number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has increased and more and more children with ASD are educated in inclusive classrooms. Although their inclusion can have several benefits, teachers face some challenges. The main reason is these students’ problem behavior or lack of a desirable behavior. The aim of this systematic literature review was to analyze interventions for behavior management of students with ASD, since the ratification of Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action (UNESCO, 1994), in inclusive preschool and primary school classrooms. The aim was also to examine the outcomes of these interventions. Four databases were searched and nine articles were included for data extraction. Results indicated the implementation of different interventions such as function-based interventions, peer support, visual cue cards, structured teaching with graduated guidance, social stories and social scripts. The target behavior was principally assessed through Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) or it was not assessed at all. Some interventions were provided by the researcher or the teacher only, some were provided by different people in different phases and some were provided by two or more people together. Interventions’ goals were to decrease problem behavior, to increase desirable behavior and both to decrease problem behavior and to increase desirable behavior. It was observed that all interventions reached their goals, even though at a low level in some cases. In conclusion, this literature review provided a summary of interventions and their outcomes for behavior management of students with ASD in inclusive classrooms with a further purpose to help the teachers identify the strategies most useful for their classroom.

This study investigates educators' experiences in choosing material for learners in the inclusive classroom setting as clearly stated in chapter one. Chapter two explored the literature on the learning and teaching support materials and the processes involved. The definition of learning and teaching support materials was explored. The kinds, importance and role of learning and teaching support, were discussed and the role is seen as a vehicle which enhances the awareness for expression and opportunities to capture evidence of learners knowledge. Guidelines to consider in the process of selecting learning and teaching support materials and the utilization thereof, as well as the funding of learning and teaching support materials received attention. This chapter further explored the inclusive classroom where inclusion is defined; the nature of inclusive classroom was discussed. The benefits and the criticism of inclusive classroom settings were also explored. In chapter three, the empirical research design used in the study is discussed. Focus group interviews in qualitative study were used to explore educators' experiences in choosing learning and teaching support material in inclusive classroom settings. Chapter four highlighted the research methods used to investigate the problems of this study. The application of the focus interview was explained in detail because the focus group was used for the collection of data which was analysed and interpreted. The data revealed that educators experience a number of difficulties in choosing learning and teaching support materials for learners in inclusive classroom settings. The last chapter concludes the study with recommendations on the way to assist educators in choosing materials for learners in the inclusive classroom setting. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2008.

Bakalauro darbe analizuojamas palankios ugdymui(si) psichologinės ir fizinės aplinkos kūrimas inkliuzinėje klasėje. Tyrime dalyvavo 104 pedagogai, dirbantys Panevėžio miesto ir rajono bendrojo ugdymo mokyklose. Anketinės apklausos metodu tirta pedagogų nuomonė apie palankios ugdymui(si) psichologinės ir fizinės aplinkos kūrimo patirtis ir svarbiausias sąlygas inkliuzinėje klasėje. Analizuojant tyrimo duomenis ieškota ryšio tarp svarbiausių sąlygų, reikalingų palankios ugdymui(si) psichologinės ir fizinės aplinkos kūrimui inkliuzinėje klasėje bei jų įgyvendinimo darbo praktikoje. Tyrimu nustatyta, kad svarbiausios sąlygos, reikalingos palankios ugdymui(si) psichologinės ir fizinės aplinkos kūrimui yra darnūs mokytojo ir mokinių tarpusavio santykiai, taisyklių suformavimas ir jų laikymasis, mokinių bendradarbiavimo užtikrinimas, motyvaciją skatinantis vertinimas, lankstus ir tinkamas mokinių sėdėjimo vietų suskirstymas, tinkamo apšvietimo klasėje užtikrinimas, darbingumą skatinančių sienų atspalvių parinkimas ir mokinių, turinčių specialiųjų ugdymosi poreikių, aprūpinimas kompensacinėmis priemonėmis. Dauguma pedagogų stengiasi kurti gerus tarpusavio santykius su mokiniais, skatina ugdytinius dirbti grupėmis ir yra sukūrę aiškią taisyklių bei vertinimo sistemą. Vis gi mokytojų nuostatos mokinių, turinčių specialiųjų ugdymosi poreikių, atžvilgiu yra neigiamos, mokiniai nėra įtraukiami į ugdymo(si) proceso planavimą. Vyrauja homogeninis mokinių grupavimas, vertinant individuali... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Bachelor’s paper analyzes creation of conducive psychological and physical environment for teaching (learning) in the inclusive classroom. The study involved 104 mainstream school teachers working in the district and the city of Panevezys. Questionnaire method was used to analyse teachers’ opinion on their experience in creation of conducive psychological and physical environment and the most important conditions in the inclusive classroom. Analysis of the data sought to find a relationship between the key conditions required for conducive psychological and the physical environment for teaching (learning) in the inclusive classroom and their implementation in the work practice. The study found that the most important conditions necessary for creation of conducive psychological and physical environment for teaching (learning) are harmonious teacher-pupil relationships, rule formation and compliance, ensuring pupils’ cooperation, motivation-stimulating evaluation, flexible and suitable allocation of sitting places for the pupils, proper lighting in the classroom, selection of efficiency promoting wall shades and provision of pupils with special educational needs with compensatory measures. Most teachers try to build good relationships with pupils, encourage learners to work in groups and have clear rules and scoring system. However, concerning pupils with special educational needs, teachers’ attitude is negative, the pupils are not included in the training (learning) process... [to full text]

This study investigates educators' experiences in choosing material for learners in the inclusive classroom setting as clearly stated in chapter one. Chapter two explored the literature on the learning and teaching support materials and the processes involved. The definition of learning and teaching support materials was explored. The kinds, importance and role of learning and teaching support, were discussed and the role is seen as a vehicle which enhances the awareness for expression and opportunities to capture evidence of learners knowledge. Guidelines to consider in the process of selecting learning and teaching support materials and the utilization thereof, as well as the funding of learning and teaching support materials received attention. This chapter further explored the inclusive classroom where inclusion is defined; the nature of inclusive classroom was discussed. The benefits and the criticism of inclusive classroom settings were also explored. In chapter three, the empirical research design used in the study is discussed. Focus group interviews in qualitative study were used to explore educators' experiences in choosing learning and teaching support material in inclusive classroom settings. Chapter four highlighted the research methods used to investigate the problems of this study. The application of the focus interview was explained in detail because the focus group was used for the collection of data which was analysed and interpreted. The data revealed that educators experience a number of difficulties in choosing learning and teaching support materials for learners in inclusive classroom settings. The last chapter concludes the study with recommendations on the way to assist educators in choosing materials for learners in the inclusive classroom setting. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2008.

Studiens syfte är att undersöka hur åtta lärare i mellanSverige berättar om hur de ändrar sitt arbetssätt utifrån en elevs NPF-utredning (neuropsykiatriska funktionsnedsättning). I intervjustudien berättar lärarna om sina erfarenheter om undervisning av elever med NPF. Lärarna som intervjuas arbetar i kommunala skolor och undervisar i årskurserna 4-6 i svenska grundskolan.   Av studiens resultat framgår att lärarna berättar att utredningen inte är viktig för lärarens arbetssätt utan diagnosen är mer till för elevens förståelse av sig själv. Det framgår även att det saknas utbildning kring NPF-diagnoser och att lärarna önskar mer av detta. Därutöver framkommer lärarnas önskan om att skapa goda relationer till eleven för att få ett gynnsamt arbetssätt. En slutsats som kan dras av studien är att lärarna anser att NPF-utredningens rekommendationer inte bidrar med ny lärdom för lärarna. Ytterligare en slutsats är att en utredning sägs göras för elevens kännedom om sig själv.