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INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IMPLEMENTED IN THE FORM OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: CASE STUDY
35-46Views:466The aim of inclusive education is to adapt educational requirements, educational organization and learning conditions to the needs and capabilities of each pupil in a multifaceted way. Inclusive education is implemented by the educational systems of the European Union Member States. In Poland its history began in the 1990s. Many activities are currently being undertaken to create the best possible conditions for the development of the potential of each pupil. The school environment in cooperation with the family is responsible for taking all possible measures to eliminate barriers which prevent the child from being given proper education. In particular, this task is related to the care for a child with disabilities. In the Polish educational system, there are many forms of implementing the postulate of inclusive education. It is worth emphasizing the activity of day-care centres which provide extra-curricular education for children. The school day-care centre is a place where inclusive education is a daily practice. The article presents a case study of the activity of a day-care centre in one of the schools with inclusive classes in Krakow. The description of the day-care centre functioning made it possible to present the diversity of activities undertaken in it. The data was extended by referring to the opinions of parents and children.
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Preschool teachers’ attitudes and preparation in the implementation of inclusive education
45-62Views:614The implementation of inclusive education depends on teachers’ attitudes towards children with special needs. In 2022, a kindergarten survey was carried out, which included the topic of inclusive education. A total of 918 teachers across Estonia participated in the survey. The study aimed to map preschool teachers’ attitudes towards children with special needs and inclusive education and determine how teachers evaluate their knowledge of implementing inclusive education. Kindergarten teachers tended to favour inclusion: they agreed they could include children with special needs in leisure and learning activities. However, they found difficulties mainly with children with behavioural problems and identified other difficult situations that arise with children with special needs in the mainstream group. Most teachers with a professional education said they had the knowledge and skills to deal with children with special needs. However, teachers without a professional education could not say the same.
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OPPORTUNITY, CHALLENGE OR OBSTACLE? THE INTEGRATIONAL FUNCTIONS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION - INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK AND HUNGARIAN SITUATION
5-21Views:378In our paper, those international processes are studied which determine the role and effectiveness of public education in the international and Hungarian context. We try to examine what globalization processes the school fits into; what positive or negative confirmation the interventions cause in the education system. In the Hungarian situation besides the segregation and integration, the selectivity of the education system can be also seen and is also shown in the study. The paradigm shifts in public education, the role of the inclusive school are presented through the Hungarian integration efforts. To sum up, an implemented integration program is also introduced where the experts’ efforts are put in the center of the topic.
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The Role of Sensory Theatre in the Field of Special Education – Results of a Systematic Literature Review
155-166Views:338This study focuses on presenting the results of a systematic literature review that examines the effects of sensory theatre in a special educational environment. The purpose of multisensory theatrical experiences is to entertain and develop the abilities of children with special educational needs, immersing them in a sensory bath and involving them in the course of the performance. The examination of the aesthetic and developmental effects of unique experiences related to sensory theatre appears in the international literature with varied terminology and a rich array of methodological recommendations. Our research was conducted based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria, which ensure the transparency of systematic literature analysis. We found 62 articles in the EBSCO Discovery Service scientific search engine. Three authors reviewed the abstracts and, if the inclusion criteria were met, exported the full texts to Zotero for content and methodological quality assessment (N=12). Our text database, consisting of 12 empirical journal articles, was further analyzed along with 2 additional studies and a textbook. According to our results, most research aligned the immersive nature of sensory theatre with the attractiveness of educational conditions, while emphasizing the importance of experience provision in inclusive education. Sensory theatre, as a unique experience and innovative method, develops children’s abilities along moods and senses, considering the specific sensory needs and learning preferences of the participants. A limitation is that relatively few empirical studies specifically examine the effect of sensory theatre in special educational settings, as the reviewed documents often only indirectly touch on special educational processes.
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FACTORS SUPPORTING HIGHER EDUCATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE LIGHT OF A RESEARCH
85-99Views:512Compared to other social groups, persons with disabilities are at higher risk of poverty. One of the reasons for this can be explained by the labour market situation of people with disabilities, as their employment is extremely low, their livelihood is primarily ensured by social benefits. One of the main guarantees of achieving an adequate standard of living is income from work. The higher qualifications the employee has, the higher the chance is to have a job that suits his/her interests and abilities. However, persons with disabilities tend to have lower educational qualifications than members of the majority of society, and their higher education is particularly low. In order to achieve equal opportunities, persons with disabilities may take advantage of allowances and subsidies in the course of their higher education as well as their studies. Using qualitative, semi-structured interviews, the research explores how services promoting equal opportunities at universities facilitate the higher education of students with disabilities, support their job search and their integration into the labour market. The research also comprised the examination of how the family background or previous (primary and secondary school) studies influenced the higher education of the interviewees. Based on the research results, it can be stated that promoting equal opportunities at universities contributes to the successful completion of studies as well as participation in the labour market eventually. The family, the parents, studying in an integrated framework play a crucial role in the decision of a student with disabilities to continue his/her studies at university.
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Educational Policy Responses to Support Roma Students
113-121Views:158This study examines Hungarian educational policy measures implemented between 2015 and 2025 to improve the academic success of Roma students. Education is viewed not only as a means of knowledge transmission but as a key driver of social mobility and equality. Roma students face complex challenges rooted in social disadvantage, cultural differences, and systemic issues such as segregation and institutional discrimination. The paper provides an overview of major interventions, including compulsory early childhood education, the Complex Instruction Programme (CIP), community-based tanoda initiatives, the Útravaló Scholarship Programme, and Roma Special Colleges. While these programmes have yielded positive local outcomes—such as improved cooperation, reduced dropout rates, and enhanced access to higher education—their long-term impact is limited by underfunding, project-based approaches, and lack of systemic integration. The study adopts a critical perspective, highlighting the need for sustainable strategies, teacher training in inclusive pedagogy, community involvement, and comprehensive monitoring systems. Recommendations include strengthening teacher education, promoting integrated social support, and ensuring Roma participation in decision-making. The findings underscore that only systemic, long-term measures can effectively reduce educational inequalities and foster genuine social inclusion for Roma communities.
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The Role of Psychological Capital in the Discourse of Inclusive Education
7-20Views:151The aim of the study is to bring the examination of students’ psychological capital into the discourse on inclusive education, and to investigate its associations with informal status. To assess psychological capital, we adapted the validated Hungarian translation of the questionnaire developed by Luthans and colleagues (2007) (Kádi et al., 2020) to school settings. To measure informal capital, we used a self-rated popularity scale and an index measuring the extent of peer and teacher relationships. The study was conducted in Budapest, a town, and two villages, in primary schools among grades 5–8, with a total sample size of 381. The findings indicate that the strength of students’ psychological capital is significantly associated with both social relationships—particularly relationships with teachers—and academic achievement. These results suggest that the deliberate integration of psychological capital development into pedagogical practice may contribute to the creation of successful and inclusive learning environments.
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NEW "CONTACTS": MUSIC TEACHERS, THEOLOGY TEACHERS, AND 'SEN' STUDENTS
39-53Views:383This study focuses on the integrated-inclusive education of the students with special educational needs from the side of two 'new' groups of teachers. After outlining the specific situation religious and music teachers perform in education a detailed analysis follows, which focuses on the facts of how these people see their own knowledge, difficulties, and needs in inclusive and integrated education. To assess their situation their results are compared to a so-called ’control group’. The study group is formed by the ’classic’ actors of public education, the teachers who teach general subjects.
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Preschool Leaders' (Directors') Opinions on the Care and Integration of Children with Special Educational Needs
69-79Views:964Providing the opportunity for integrated education has become an expectation in all public education institutions today. The success of integration primarily depends on the inclusive perspective of the institutions implementing integrated education and the institutional inclusive culture developed as a result, in which institutional leaders play a significant role. This study explored the opinions of preschool directors regarding the integration of children with special educational needs. A total of 74 preschool directors from religious, local goverment, private, and other types of institutions were contacted for the study. Data analysis was conducted both descriptively and with a mathematical statistical approach. The applied mathematical statistical methods were the chi-square test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. According to our results, the type of institution has an impact on directors' views regarding the integration of children with special educational needs. Regarding integration, 75% of directors believed that the care of children with special educational needs imposes an additional burden on preschool teachers. The results also highlighted that a lack of expertise required for integration remains a problem in preschools. The majority of institutional leaders were at least moderately satisfied with the approach of the institutions' sponsors in providing material conditions to support integration, but they were less positive about the availability of personnel resources.
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Consideration of Students’ Special Educational Needs in Primary-Level Swimming Instruction
7-16Views:203In our research, we examined the consideration of students’ special educational needs (SEN) in primary-level swimming education. The choice of topic was motivated by the increasing number of students with SEN and the importance of swimming instructors’ professional preparedness. Our aim was to explore the extent to which swimming instructors are able to accommodate the individual needs of SEN students, to identify the challenges they encounter during swimming instruction, and to map the differences between the swimming education of SEN and typically developing students, as well as the factors that support learning.The research method was an online questionnaire survey. A total of 77 professional swimming instructors participated in the study (n = 77). The results reveal that the majority of instructors do not possess specialized qualifications, and their knowledge is primarily based on personal experience. Although many feel adequately prepared, uncertainty occasionally arises in practice. Teaching swimming to children with SEN requires specific methodological tools, increased attention, and differentiated approaches. Additional difficulties include maintaining attention, discipline, and motivation. Providing differentiation and accommodating individual learning paces remain challenging, whereas small-group, play-based sessions promote more effective progress.
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CAN THE PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICE OF THE PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS REMOVE THE SOCIAL PREJUDICE TOWARDS THE PUPILS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS? A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ON THE ATTITUDE TOWARDS BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT IN PRIMARY SCHOOL
17-24Views:386The aim of the study is to highlight the attitude of the students (N=72) from Pedagogy of Primary and Preschool Education Program (pre-service teacher), from first and third years of study, related to how they want, as future teachers, to develop pupils’ learning skills in the inclusive classroom by adopting certain behavioral management of pupils with special needs. The working tool used is the Behavior and Instructional Management Scale, developed by Martin and Sass (2010). The comparative analysis of the results obtained according to the year of study captures the existence of statistically significant differences in the aspect of the management of the behavior in the classroom, both in traditional and inclusive classes, during the lessons, with higher averages for the pre-service teachers of 3rd year. Also, pre-service teachers from the 3rd year of study have a higher level of expectations for implementing the rules in school activities with pupils with special needs, compared to the pre-service teachers of the 1st year, which draws attention to the importance of pedagogical practical stage in primary school.
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INTERPRETATION OF THE MOST IMPORTANT NOTIONS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITIES OVERT IN THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
83-87Views:404Present paper focuses on the social inequalities that are mainly manifested in the educational system. Therefore, I aim at reflecting on the sociological definitions that codify the subject in a theoretical context. The theoretical background of the study comprises the subsequent notions: equality and equity, inclusive society and education, bicultural socialization, and the relation between social mobility and school.
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Reality or Illusion? A Scientific Focused Examination of Pathological Expectation Avoidance, or PDA, Based on Domestic Literature
187-194Views:1027Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a behavioural pattern that, based on available descriptions, can manifest itself in extreme, anxiety-ridden resistance to expectations and oppositional behaviour. In terms of its described "symptoms," it may overlap with many areas of autism spectrum disorder, which is why it became the focus of our study, as PDA is not part of the official diagnostic systems (DSM-5, ICD-11) and is therefore often confused with other disorders, primarily autism, oppositional defiant disorder, or ADHD, and its indiscriminate use can be particularly misleading. This kind of confusion or potential misinterpretation not only causes diagnostic problems but can also hinder the development of appropriate educational and therapeutic interventions for those affected. Based on the principles of inclusive education, every student has the right to support tailored to their individual needs. However, PDA currently falls outside the categories of special education and psychological care, so children are believed to be affected, and their families are often marginalised or may not receive adequate diagnosis-based intervention until later. This study argues that a scientific approach to PDA, its recognition and interpretation, is not only an ethical issue but can also be understood from the perspective of fairness, pedagogical flexibility, and social inclusion. Based on our findings, it can be argued that the "diagnosis" of PDA should be the subject of scientific research. The aim of this study is to analyse the findings of available sources to determine what we can understand by PDA and how it can be considered as a separate behavioural profile type.
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ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE SPORT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, I. E.: IS THE SPORT IMPORTANT IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
19-34Views:917The equal opportunities approach of the second half of the 20th century emphasizes the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups, including persons with disabilities. Education and employment play a key role in achieving integration. Nevertheless, other fields such as leisure time and sporting activities also contribute positively to the social involvement of persons with disabilities. At present nearly 7,000 persons with disabilities are registered in Hungary who pursue sports competitively, of whom approximately 5,000 persons with intellectual disabilities (Regényi et.al, 2017). The study discloses the partial results of a research aimed at revealing the awareness of the Hungarian population regarding the sport of people with disabilities. As such research has never been carried out in Hungary before, it can fill in a niche. The results of our exploratory research may be the starting point for further investigations. The importance of the topic is given by the fact that thanks to the sport the focus is on the outstanding performance of the social group concerned rather than on their limitations and deficiencies, which therefore reinforces the positive and accepting attitude of citizens. Previous research findings have highlighted that the nature of disability-related knowledge influences the way the members of society think about persons with disabilities, i.e. when it is possible to provide information and gain experience focusing on the existing abilities and strengths of the above -mentioned group, attitudes become more positive as well. The findings of the research reveal that respondents consider it important to pursue sport within an integrated framework, at the same time they feel it is justified to do segregated sports with a view to persons with disabilities. Based on the results we can state that the media coverage of achievements in sports competitions of persons with disabilities is perceived as low level, but apparently it is not considered to be a key area in the lives of persons with disabilities.
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Parental Involvement in the Schooling of Children with Special Educational Needs
17-27Views:350This study explores the association between special educational needs (SEN) and the level, mode, and intensity of parental involvement in Hungarian schools. Anchored in the principles of child-centered education and inclusive collaboration, the research investigates whether families of SEN students engage differently compared to their non-SEN counterparts, particularly when additional socio-economic disadvantages are present. A literature review revealed limited comparative analysis between SEN and non-SEN groups, prompting a focus on existing studies that examine parent-school relationships, primarily from the adult perspective. The empirical component utilizes a secondary analysis of the National Assessment of Basic Competences (NABC) database, drawing on longitudinal student-level data from the 2015 (Grade 6), 2017 (Grade 8), and 2019 (Grade 10) cohorts. A refined dataset tracks students on an uninterrupted educational path, allowing analysis of parental involvement indicators derived from five items in the background questionnaire. Findings suggest that while parental involvement generally declines over time, the decline is steeper among students with multiple disadvantages than those with SEN alone. Support with homework stands out as the most sustained form of involvement, although it remains limited for families with lower educational capital. Contrary to assumptions, SEN students receive substantial parental attention through secondary school, highlighting the potential for constructive alliances between teachers and families. However, PTA meeting attendance is markedly lower among parents of disadvantaged learners. The data also emphasize that students classified as both SEN and socioeconomically disadvantaged (LOW SES) exhibit the highest dropout risk, stressing the need for targeted interventions.
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PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDATION FOR THE TRAVELING TEACHER’S WHO ARE WORKING WITH THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND HABILITATION PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT HIGH – SCHOOLER
101-107Views:299At the beginning of high school studies where visually impaired with young people have to outbrave with much daily difficultly. Orientation in the institution about high school ‘s rhythms higher class sizes and higher levels of attitudes and methods that require more independent thinking by class teachers are more challenging to them than their good companions. Particularly heavier situations are encountered by young people with visually impaired who have been studying in a segregated institution in previous years, where they have completed their studies in a smaller class community, an educator, a specialized tool, and individual development assistants. The travel ambulance service ensures that this supportive assistance is provided in an integrated environment both for students with visually impaired and secondary school teachers
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Mental Health Challenges of International Students: A Comparative Study of Host and Home Country Support Systems in Ilorin, Nigeria
75-84Views:108With the increasing globalization of education, more students are pursuing academic opportunities outside their home countries. While this offers exposure to diverse cultural and learning experiences, it also comes with significant mental health challenges. International students often struggle with anxiety, depression, academic stress, cultural shock, and social isolation, exacerbated by limited access to familiar support systems. This study explored the mental health challenges faced by international students in Ilorin, Nigeria, comparing the effectiveness of support systems available in both their home countries and host institutions. Adopting a mixed-method research design, the study gathered data from 50 international students and 30 university counsellors through survey questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis to uncover deeper insights into student experiences. This study revealed that international students face major mental health challenges such as academic stress, homesickness, anxiety, and depression. Many are unaware of available support services or avoid them due to stigma, cultural, and language barriers. Instead, they often rely on informal support like peers and religious gatherings. The findings suggest that peer-led and culturally sensitive programs could enhance existing services. Overall, a more inclusive and holistic mental health approach is needed to support the well-being and academic success of international students.
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THE ISSUES OF TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES TO LEARNERS WITH A SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY
31-52Views:750To make language teaching effective, it is important to consider the forms of language teaching, especially when we talk about learners with a specific learning disability. Our theoretical paper tries to review the literature of language teaching and dyslexia. The goal of our paper is to briefly present the definitions of dyslexia as well as to describe its signs and symptoms. This paper deals with the issues of language acquisition and language teaching, focusing on the difficulties which emerge when learning English. A dyslexic learner usually has difficulties in reading and writing in his L1, their reading is slower and they have problems with reading comprehension too. Besides the possible difficulties, we also discuss the strengths of dyslexic learners as their most important compensating skills are global/holistic thinking, visualisation, creativity, and problem-solving. Our paper also deals with the regulations governing language teaching in schools and the issues of choosing the language to learn at school. In higher education and in the world of work, speaking foreign languages and having language certificates are advantages, consequently, it is necessary to have appropriate course material. Language learners with dyslexia also have to take a school-leaving exam /GCSE in a foreign language, which is why our paper also deals with the output of language teaching in schools as well as the possibilities for dyslexic candidates offered by some Hungarian language exams (ORIGO, BME, DExam, ECL) The paper also mentions the issues of course material and language course books, as well as addressing the question of inclusive teaching for dyslexic learners. We also discuss the competencies required by a Special Educator as a language teacher, as he/she can help students, not only in learning English but also in the integration process.