Understanding the inclusion of children with diverse needs using play pedagogies in Early Years in Regional Australia
Principal Supervisor: Professor Lucia Zundans-Fraser
Co-Supervisor: Dr Shukla Sikder
Increasing adoption of inclusive curriculum policies is emerging, but successful inclusion in mainstream environments has not been achieved completely, which indicates the study gaps in the area of inclusiveness. The concept of inclusion in education is complex and encompasses social, cultural, and academic dimensions. Introducing inclusion in early education is crucial for developing children's awareness of diversity. Play and culturally specific methods can enhance children's learning and development in the early years. Based on cultural-historical theory, this study aims to examine the inclusive practices of children’s (with diverse needs) learning and development under play pedagogies in a regional early childhood setting. In this qualitative study, cultural-historical research methodology will be used, and digital video observations, semi-structured interviews and document reviews will be conducted as a data collection process using theoretical sampling, and a dialectic interactive approach will be used for data analysis. Subsequently, the consequences of the investigation may contribute to its lion's offer in upgrading the possibility of play-based learning in an inclusive and regional early childhood setting.
During my time in a developing country, I experienced the concept of inclusion in the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, many developing countries struggle to provide inclusive education for children with disabilities. Throughout my work and studies, I witnessed various forms of discrimination based on factors such as race, ethnicity, social class, language, and religion. When I moved to Australia to pursue my second master's in special education at Flinders University Under Endeavour scholarship, I observed how diversity and inclusion could be celebrated and embraced, opening my mind to the idea that true inclusion involves respecting and valuing everyone. I believe that promoting true inclusion for all can help us build a more harmonious and just society for all, which drives me to think about this project.
This project is funded by the Australian Government Research Training Program (International) Scholarship (AGRTP) and Charles Sturt University.
