Rethinking Children and Inclusive Education: New Childhoods series

There have been shifts in how childhood is conceptualized and how differences between people are understood. These are evident in three recent developments: inclusive education, children’s participation and inclusive research. Part I of this book introduces these three themes and argues that there are connections between them. Part II of the book provides an overview of each of the themes. It is contested that children’s perspectives are important in the development of inclusive education, and that this has implications for the forms of research undertaken. Part III of the book applies these ideas to the placement and engagement of learners, to the curriculum and to learners’ sense of belonging. A synoptic chapter encourages the reader to reflect on recurrent themes that appear in the first six chapters. The final chapter draws conclusions about the substance of the book and invites readers to reflect on developments in their own academic literacy. The approach is informed by (and illustrates) international research. Predominantly, the examples are of inclusive/participatory research. Therefore whilst in some of the examples children are data providers, other examples illustrate children’s involvement as co-designers, co-researchers, co-analysts and co-disseminators of research. The book argues that accessing and responding to children’s perspectives is in itself an expression of inclusion, but that they need to be viewed in the context of the perspectives of other stakeholders. It contends that children’s involvement in research is an educational experience in its own right; a preparation for active citizenship in an inclusive society. "Rethinking Children and Inclusive Education examines attitudes towards, and experiences of, children's marginalization and inclusion. Sue Pearson draws on a wide range of thought, research and practice from different fields and countries to debate, challenge and reappraise long held beliefs, attitudes and ways of working and living with children with differing needs and learning challenges. This book adopts a broad view of inclusive education that embraces all, with examples mainly but not exclusively related to special educational needs; takes a nuanced perspective which goes beyond reductionist debates about placement; and gives attention to the wider educational and social contexts that envelop schools and those that follow schooling. Throughout, Rethinking Children and Inclusive Education acknowledges some of the tensions, contradictions and overlaps in policies and practices by exploring a variety of UK and international sources. Making an original contribution to current debates, the text emphasises research that adopts a socio-cultural/ecological perspective alongside that which focuses on child factors, including participatory or emancipatory research, and highlights the links between principles, research, policies and practices. Including extensive examples of research, practical activities, key points and guidance on further reading, Rethinking Children and Inclusive Education is essential reading for all those studying childhood at undergraduate and graduate level and of great interest to those working with children in any field."-- Provided by publisher FC Half title Also Available in the New Childhoods Series: Title Copyright Contents List of Tables List of Illustrations Acknowledgements Introduction to New Childhoods Series Part I Debates, Dilemmas and Challenges: The Background to Inclusive Education, Children’s Participation and Inclusive Research 1 Introduction to Rethinking Children and Inclusive Education Part II An Interdisciplinary Overview of Recent Research and Scholarship 2 Current Perspectives on Inclusive Education 3 Children’s Participation 4 Inclusive Research Part III Implications for Children’s Lives: Using Children’s Perspectives to Inform Inclusive Education 5 Children’s Access to Places and Spaces 6 Developing an Inclusive Curriculum Informed by Children’s Perspectives 7 Children’s Sense of Belonging 8 Themes across Inclusive Education, Participation and Inclusive Research 9 Conclusion References Index