This assignment comprises two parts the Part A requires you to write a short research paper entitled.

Contested Definitions of Inclusive Education and Their Practical Implications in South Africa”.
The following principles from the Index of Inclusion- Tony Booth and Mel Ainscow provide a way forward to develop inclusive education in schools and communities. Choose any TWO of the following to include in your Reflective Research Paper and Visual Supplement.

Inclusion in education involves:

• Valuing all students and staff equally.
• Increasing the participation of students in, and reducing their exclusion from, the cultures, curricula and communities of local schools.
• Restructuring the cultures, policies, and practices in schools so that they respond to the diversity of students in the locality.
• Reducing barriers to learning and participation for all students, not only those with impairments or those who are categorised as `having special educational needs.
• Learning from attempts to overcome barriers to the access and participation of students to make changes for the benefit of students more widely.
• Viewing the difference between students as resources to support learning, rather than as problems to be overcome.
• Acknowledging the right of students to an education in their locality.
• Improving schools for staff as well as for students.
• Emphasising the role of schools in building community and developing values, as well as in increasing achievement.
• Fostering mutually sustaining relationships between schools and communities.
• Recognising that inclusion in education is one aspect of inclusion in society.

Booth, T. and Ainscow, M. (2011) Index for Inclusion: Developing Learning and Participation in Schools. Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education, Bristol.

Some guidelines for your Research Paper Introduction

Begin with an introductory section summarizing the central theme: “Reflecting on my Philosophy of Inclusion: What have I gained and what paradigm shifts have I made in my learning?” Provide an overview of the significance of the topic and the research questions you aim to address.

Literature, Policies and Legislation (1 to 2 pages)

• Select relevant literature, policies, and legislation to explore contested definitions of inclusive education in the South African context. Analyze key developments, concerns, and debates from relevant scholarly sources.
• Examine theoretical frameworks and models that shape the understanding of inclusive education.

Personal Reflection and Learning Philosophy: (1 to 2 pages)

• Reflect on your own philosophy of inclusive education, considering how your understanding aligns with the principles from the Index of Inclusion.
• Discuss your personal experiences and insights gained during the learning process, emphasizing how the principles have influenced your philosophy.
• Analysis of the Index of Inclusion Principles:

Choose any TWO of the principles from the Index of Inclusion by Tony Booth and MeAinscow to discuss in detail.

• Analyze how these principles inform the concept of inclusive education and its practical implications in South Africa.
• Examine the alignment between the chosen principles and the contested definitions of inclusive education.
Critical Analysis: (1 page)

• Engage in a critical analysis of the contested definitions of inclusive education, especially regarding the principles you have chosen.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different conceptualizations and their compatibility with the chosen principles.

Contextualization: (1 page)

• Place your analysis in the context of pedagogy, classroom practices, school policies, curriculum design, and relevant legislation.
• Address the practical implications of the chosen principles and contested definitions on these levels.

Conclusion: (1 to 2 pages)

• Summarize the key findings and insights from your research and personal reflection.
• Emphasize the importance of understanding inclusive education, particularly within the context of South Africa, and how the chosen principles can guide its implementation.

Answers to Above Questions on Inclusive Education

Answer 1: I have gained a significant understanding about the concept of philosophy of inclusion, as I have learnt that inclusive education is a transformative approach that takes into consideration all types of students regardless of their background or abilities. It does not do any kind of discrimination with any of the students and ensures fair learning of each and every student. My understanding of inclusive education has resulted in a significant transformation in my philosophy of learning and teaching.

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