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Oct-Nov-2019
QUESTION 1
1.1 Present a comprehensive definition of inclusion, with reference to the essential elements and
benefits of inclusion. (15)
Inclusive education refers to the restructuring of social and, by implication, educational settings in
order to meet the needs of all learners irrespective of their diverse biographical, developmental and
learning trajectories. According to Liasidou, (2012:5) inclusive education constitutes a radical
paradigm shift and by no means should be considered as a linear progression from a special needs
discourse.
The fundamental principle of the inclusive school is that all children should learn together, wherever
possible, regardless of any difficulties or differences they may have. Inclusive schools must
recognize and respond to the diverse needs of their students, accommodating both different styles
and rates of learning, and ensuring quality education to all through appropriate curricula,
organizational arrangements, teaching strategies, resource use and partnerships with their
communities.
According to Hewitt (2005), inclusive educational settings offer all learners the following benefits:
Equal opportunities to develop social skills, communication skills, academic skills, positive
behaviors, and coping skills that cannot easily be replicated in special education settings.
The chance to learn how to learn alongside their typically developing peers.
The best preparation for real life.
Social inclusion.
Increased access to the general education curriculum and quality instruction, leading to better
developmental outcomes.
Opportunities for developing communication skills within a natural setting.
Increased opportunities for using positive behaviors.
Exposure to academic content and opportunities to actively engage in learning.
More interaction with peers.
1.2 Critically analyze the progress of the implementation of policies and legislation on Inclusive
Education in South Africa or any other country of your choice. Provide a critical analysis of the
policies related to inclusive education. Why do you think that many countries, including South Africa,
are failing to implement these policies? (10)
Inclusive education in South African policy was part of the general move from the segregated
education system of the apartheid period towards a diverse, economically and socially empowered
1|Page
Oct-Nov-2019
QUESTION 1
1.1 Present a comprehensive definition of inclusion, with reference to the essential elements and
benefits of inclusion. (15)
Inclusive education refers to the restructuring of social and, by implication, educational settings in
order to meet the needs of all learners irrespective of their diverse biographical, developmental and
learning trajectories. According to Liasidou, (2012:5) inclusive education constitutes a radical
paradigm shift and by no means should be considered as a linear progression from a special needs
discourse.
The fundamental principle of the inclusive school is that all children should learn together, wherever
possible, regardless of any difficulties or differences they may have. Inclusive schools must
recognize and respond to the diverse needs of their students, accommodating both different styles
and rates of learning, and ensuring quality education to all through appropriate curricula,
organizational arrangements, teaching strategies, resource use and partnerships with their
communities.
According to Hewitt (2005), inclusive educational settings offer all learners the following benefits:
Equal opportunities to develop social skills, communication skills, academic skills, positive
behaviors, and coping skills that cannot easily be replicated in special education settings.
The chance to learn how to learn alongside their typically developing peers.
The best preparation for real life.
Social inclusion.
Increased access to the general education curriculum and quality instruction, leading to better
developmental outcomes.
Opportunities for developing communication skills within a natural setting.
Increased opportunities for using positive behaviors.
Exposure to academic content and opportunities to actively engage in learning.
More interaction with peers.
1.2 Critically analyze the progress of the implementation of policies and legislation on Inclusive
Education in South Africa or any other country of your choice. Provide a critical analysis of the
policies related to inclusive education. Why do you think that many countries, including South Africa,
are failing to implement these policies? (10)
Inclusive education in South African policy was part of the general move from the segregated
education system of the apartheid period towards a diverse, economically and socially empowered
1|Page
