Promoting inclusion in primary schools through student voice

Messiou, Kyriaki (Kiki), de los Reyes, Jay, Potnis, Chinmaya Nachiket and Dong, Ping (2024) Promoting inclusion in primary schools through student voice. British Educational Research Association Conference 2024, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom. 08 - 12 Sep 2024.

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the findings of a study that involved collaborative action research with primary schools (5–11-year-olds) in England. The study focused on exploring inclusion through a student voice angle. Children took part in participatory research activities including some of them taking the role of researchers. Data from lesson observations and meetings between teachers and children, as well as interviews with teachers and children were analysed and highlighted that inclusion can be promoted in schools when (1) a dynamic process of making students heard is employed by: using participatory student voice activities; valuing what students say through a process of dialogue; and moving into actions; and (2) when adult mindsets are open to such ideas and make these mindsets explicit through specific behaviours. We argue that primary school children are not only able to be engaged in such processes, but more importantly, can throw a different light to collaborative efforts to become more inclusive in schools.

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Contributors

Author: Kyriaki (Kiki) Messiou

Author: Jay de los Reyes

Author: Chinmaya Nachiket Potnis

Author: Ping Dong

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