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Is inclusion still an illusion in higher education? exploring the curriculum through the student voice

Barkas, Linda Anne, Armstrong, Paul-Alan and Bishop, Garry (2020) Is inclusion still an illusion in higher education? exploring the curriculum through the student voice. International Journal of Inclusive Education. pp. 1-16. ISSN 1464-5173

Item Type: Article

Abstract

This article reports on research into the discourse and application of ‘inclusion’ policies in higher education. Against the requirements in law ‘to make reasonable adjustments’ required in Section 4A of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995. Accessed 2 May 2020. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/50/contents ), respond equally under the Equality Act (2020. Section 6. Accessed 2 May 2020. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/6) and ensure a safe environment. Drawing on the critical inquiry model of Denzin, N. (2017. “Critical Qualitative Inquiry.” Qualitative Inquiry 23 (1): 8–16), students with , non-apparent disabilities and special learning needs were invited to discuss their experience of feeling included at university. Through the exploration of the themes of widening participation, skills development and employability, we asked the students how they had experienced mental wellbeing through the practical application of inclusion policies in their programmes of study. Our findings show that while universities have responded very well to the legislation and endeavoured to address anti-discriminatory practice, more could be done to adjust the curriculum to ensure students’ positive mental wellbeing. Developments in curriculum change, even by modest adjustments, could work towards students’ feeling less anxious about their studies and ensure a fully inclusive experience.

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More Information

Additional Information: ** From Crossref via Jisc Publications Router ** History: epub 15-06-2020; issued 15-06-2020.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous), Education
SWORD Depositor: Publication Router
Depositing User: Publication Router

Identifiers

Item ID: 12174
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2020.1776777
ISSN: 1464-5173
URI: http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/12174
Official URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13603...

Users with ORCIDS

ORCID for Linda Anne Barkas: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-3907-9193

Catalogue record

Date Deposited: 25 Jun 2020 08:56
Last Modified: 15 Dec 2021 03:38

Contributors

Author: Linda Anne Barkas ORCID iD
Author: Paul-Alan Armstrong
Author: Garry Bishop

University Divisions

Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism > Sunderland Business School

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