Links between inclusive education and inclusive research

In recent years, particularly since the Salamanca Statement (UNESCO, 1994), considerable attention has been given to inclusive education. The concept of inclusive research has also emerged (Walmsley and Johnson, 2003). Initially this was associated with people with learning disabilities but now has a wider application. The two concepts have some shared values and the links between inclusive education and inclusive research have been explored (e.g. Nind, 2014a). She argued that ‘in inclusive research about inclusive education the problems, questions and answers would be recognisable to the teachers and learners involved – authentic for the educational community’ (2014a, p.536). This article, in the context of M-level studies, considers these developments and school-based research linked to assignments. Some background information about the concepts of inclusive education and inclusive research is provided. The links between them are considered. Then two brief case studies are presented to illustrate of how knowledge of these concepts has influenced the research of two M-level students in their final piece of work. In combination, these illustrate how the students considered whose knowledge to access, how to access it, how analysis might happen and the dissemination and impact processes. The article concludes by linking these case studies to the discussion of inclusive education and inclusive research. It highlights how gaining insights into inclusive education can be an educational experience for all those involved – and meet the requirements of an award bearing course.