Concept 1 · free preview
What is inclusive education: segregation, integration and inclusion
Understand
In its broad sense, inclusive education concerns the participation and learning of every child who faces a barrier — gender, caste, poverty, home language, remoteness or disability. Its core idea: the child does not have to fit the school; the school changes to fit every child.
| Arrangement | What happens | Who changes? |
|---|---|---|
| Segregation | Children with special needs only in separate special schools | No one — the children are kept apart |
| Integration | Child placed in a regular school but must fit the existing system | The child |
| Inclusion | Teaching, materials, building and attitudes change so the school suits every child | The school |
Example
A visually impaired girl sits in a regular class but gets no Braille or audio material → integration. When the teacher starts reading aloud and using tactile and audio material → inclusion.
Remember
Options such as 'only children with disabilities' or 'only gifted children' are narrow views; the broad answer is 'all learners who face barriers'.
Common mistake
Treating integration and inclusion as synonyms. In integration the child adjusts; in inclusion the school does.
Check yourself
Educating children with special needs only in separate special schools is called?