Инклюзивті білім беру туралы әдістемелік мақала

European Scientific Journal April 2016 edition vol.12, No.10 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e - ISSN 1857- 7431

Inclusive Education in the 21st Century: Parameters and Opportunities for Learners with Special Needs

Udeme Samuel Jacob Angela Nneka Olisaemeka Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education,

University Of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State doi: 10.19044/esj.2016.v12n10p188 URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.19044/esj.2016.v12n10p188

Abstract This paper examined parameters and opportunities for learners with special educational needs in an effective inclusive education as it relates to 21st century. It differentiated inclusive education from mainstreaming and integration and went further give a comprehensive meaning to the term inclusive education. Some of the benefits of this inclusive education are multicultural learning environment, socialization and the development of the child. Parameters identified for effective inclusive education are placing the child in age appropriate grade place, no special classes or schools and cooperative learning practiced where teachers can share ideas for improvement of the educational system. Conclusion was made on the need for inclusive education.

Keywords: Inclusive Education, Parameters, Opportunities, Special Needs Introduction Children with disability deserve equal access to quality education which enable them develop into useful member of the society and contribute to the economic growth of their immediate community irrespective of their areas of special needs. Special needs children include all children who, for whatever reasons, are failing to benefit from school (UNESCO Report, 1994). Young people with disabilities otherwise known as special needs are among the poorest and most marginalized of the world’s youth. Estimates suggest that there are between 180 and 220 million youth with disabilities worldwide, and nearly 80 percent of them live in developing countries (United Nations, Division for Social Policy and Development, 2011). This might be due to their inability to make economic contribution to the society and earn a meaningful leaving wage but are made to depend on others for alms through begging.

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European Scientific Journal April 2016 edition vol.12, No.10 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e - ISSN 1857- 7431

It is estimated that there will be at least 200 million people (at least 18 million people with disabilities) displaced by climate events by 2050 (Skoufias Rabassa & Olivier, 2011), they are in need of modification of the learning environment in one form or the other to suit their learning. Although in Nigeria, today special educators, parents of students with disabilities, policy-makers and other stakeholders continue to debate the benefits and challenges of inclusive education (Ajuwon, 2008). Oyewo (1999) remarked that the growth of the human society depends almost entirely on the contributions of its members. Experts have suggested that an inclusive education should be encouraged by governments by way of providing infrastructure and other facilities that enhance learning, socialization and the overall development of children with disability (Chika, 2011). There is a growing recognition that including students with disabilities in general education can provide them with the opportunity to learn in natural, stimulating settings, which may also lead to increased acceptance and appreciation of differences (Ajuwon, 2008). This will be possible where the learning environment is stimul

European Scientific Journal April 2016 edition vol.12, No.10 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e - ISSN 1857- 7431

a portion of their school day in the general education program and a portion in a separate special education program (Idol, 1997). Inclusive Education Inclusion refers to the "full-time placement of children with mild, moderate and severe disabilities in regular classrooms" (Staub& Peck, 1994/95). Inclusive education differs from previously held notions of “integration” and “mainstreaming”, which tended to be concerned principally with disability and “special education needs” and implied accommodation of all categories of learners in the classroom (Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, 2014). Inclusion is a step further in mainstreaming, as it presents a means "by which a school attempts to respond to all pupils as individuals, by reconsidering and structuring its curricular organization and provision, and allocating resources to enhance equality of opportunity and through this process, the school builds its capacity to accept all pupils from the local community who wish to attend, and in doing so, reduces the need to exclude pupils" (Sebba&Sachdev, 1997). Inclusive education is concerned with minimizing and removing barriers to access, participation and learning for all children, but

European Scientific Journal April 2016 edition vol.12, No.10 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e - ISSN 1857- 7431

for their participation are maximized. UNESCO (2009), perceives it as a process of transforming schools and other centers of learning to accommodate all learners including boys and girls, learners from ethnic and linguistic minorities, rural populations, those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, those with disabilities and difficulties in learning and as well provide learning opportunities for all. Accommodating such learners will in small way help in developing self-esteem needed to overcome obstacle that the disability would have posed to them. Parameters for Effective Inclusive Education A critical aspect of inclusive education for a special needs child is having the acceptance and friendship of classmates. This kind of support also aids in the progress of special children and helps them gain confidence within the school environment(Balasubramanian, 2012).There is need to document the number, characteristics and specific geographic location of students required to be in inclusive programs, the number of specialists who will support their instruction, the necessary amount of in-class and out-of- class collaboration between special and general education teachers and guidance co