Exploring Teachers’ Perspectives on Inclusive Education Practices in Rural Schools of Chakdaha Block, West Bengal
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Inclusive education aims to provide equitable learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their physical, intellectual, social, emotional, linguistic, or other conditions (UNESCO, 2020; Booth & Ainscow, 2016).In the context of rural India, the implementation of inclusive education presents unique challenges and opportunities due to socio-economic, infrastructural, and attitudinal factors (Kumar & Kaur, 2019;Singal, 2019).This qualitative study explores the perspectives of school teachers working in rural schools of Chakdaha Block, Nadia District, West Bengal, regarding the practices, challenges, and possibilities of inclusive education.Using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, the study captures the lived experiences of 15 primary and upper primary school teachers from both government and aided institutions.Findings reveal that while teachers largely support the philosophy of inclusive education, they often struggle with insufficient training, lack of resources, and minimal community awareness (Das, Kuyini, & Desai, 2013; Sharma, Loreman, & Forlin, 2012).However, some educators demonstrate innovative strategies to include diverse learners using locally available materials and collaborative support systems (Florian & Black-Hawkins, 2011;Subban & Sharma, 2006).The study also highlights the role of policy awareness, community involvement, and administrative support in promoting inclusion (NCERT, 2020; Government of India, 2009; West Bengal School Education Department, 2021).This research contributes to the broader discourse on inclusive education in rural Indian contexts and emphasizes the need for continuous teacher training, policy enforcement, and culturally relevant pedagogical tools to strengthen inclusive practices (Ainscow, 2020; Pantic & Florian, 2015).
Author: Bipul Chakraborty
Institution: Swami Vivekananda University
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4411315136