What is meant by inclusion? On the effects of different definitions on attitudes toward inclusive education

TLDR

Teachers’ attitudes and their perceived preparedness are critical for successful inclusive education, prompting a deeper investigation in study 2. The study aimed to clarify what inclusion means by examining how different conceptualisations influence people’s attitudes toward inclusive education. Researchers assigned four qualitatively distinct inclusion categories to specific groups in Luxembourg’s education system to assess their impact on attitudes. Results revealed that attitudes varied by group and definition, with teachers who had a deeper understanding of inclusion reporting more positive attitudes and greater readiness to implement inclusive practices, while the overall sample remained relatively positive.

Abstract

Aiming to further our knowledge about what is meant by inclusion, we examined how various conceptualisations relate to people's attitudes about inclusive education. We assign the varying characterisations of inclusion of specific groups with differing involvement in the education system in Luxembourg, applying an influential systematisation of definitions of inclusion in which four qualitatively different categories are identified. Results of study 1 showed that members of the general population, pre-service and in-service teachers perceive inclusive education in importantly different ways. Although results showed relatively positive attitudes toward inclusive education for the whole sample, attitudes varied by group and in relation to the differential categorisation of definitions. As teachers' attitudes and the extent to which they feel prepared to implement inclusive practice are crucial for the success of inclusive education, the latter aspect is further investigated in study 2. Results showed that teachers with more in-depth understanding of inclusive education reported more positive attitudes and felt better prepared to implement inclusive practices. Implications for education systems and society are discussed.