Schools as learning communities for inclusion: insights from case studies of two school clusters in Portugal

IntroductionSchools are facing increasing diversity in student origins due to migrations. The INCLUD-ED approach aims to transform schools into learning communities to increase social cohesion, inclusion, and academic success through successful educational actions like interactive groups, literary g...

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Main Authors: Maria José D. Martins, Amélia Marchão, Teresa Oliveira, Ana Paula Caetano, Luís Tinoca
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-06-01
Series:Frontiers in Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1549712/full
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author Maria José D. Martins
Maria José D. Martins
Amélia Marchão
Amélia Marchão
Teresa Oliveira
Ana Paula Caetano
Luís Tinoca
author_facet Maria José D. Martins
Maria José D. Martins
Amélia Marchão
Amélia Marchão
Teresa Oliveira
Ana Paula Caetano
Luís Tinoca
author_sort Maria José D. Martins
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionSchools are facing increasing diversity in student origins due to migrations. The INCLUD-ED approach aims to transform schools into learning communities to increase social cohesion, inclusion, and academic success through successful educational actions like interactive groups, literary gatherings, community participation, dialogical teacher training, and a dialogical model of conflict resolution.MethodsThis research analyzed two school clusters in Portugal implementing the INCLUD-ED approach, focusing on practices and impacts on learning, relationships, and inclusion. A qualitative case study method was used, involving interviews with adults and focus groups with students.ResultsBoth schools promoted literary gatherings and interactive groups. Teacher engagement varied, but most participants agreed the approach increased family/community involvement and enhanced academic and socio-emotional learning.DiscussionThe INCLUD-ED approach appears to transform schools into more inclusive learning communities, though full implementation faces some challenges. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term impacts.
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spelling doaj-art-976f805c2dcb4e7295cc6563ca22ef322025-08-20T03:27:05ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Education2504-284X2025-06-011010.3389/feduc.2025.15497121549712Schools as learning communities for inclusion: insights from case studies of two school clusters in PortugalMaria José D. Martins0Maria José D. Martins1Amélia Marchão2Amélia Marchão3Teresa Oliveira4Ana Paula Caetano5Luís Tinoca6Research Center on Health and Social Sciences (CARE), Portalegre Polytechnic University, Portalegre, PortugalSchool of Education and Social Sciences, Portalegre Polytechnic University, Portalegre, PortugalResearch Center on Health and Social Sciences (CARE), Portalegre Polytechnic University, Portalegre, PortugalSchool of Education and Social Sciences, Portalegre Polytechnic University, Portalegre, PortugalSchool of Education and Social Sciences, Portalegre Polytechnic University, Portalegre, PortugalUnidade de Investigação, Desenvolvimento, Educação e Formação (UIDEF), Instituto de Educação, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, PortugalUnidade de Investigação, Desenvolvimento, Educação e Formação (UIDEF), Instituto de Educação, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, PortugalIntroductionSchools are facing increasing diversity in student origins due to migrations. The INCLUD-ED approach aims to transform schools into learning communities to increase social cohesion, inclusion, and academic success through successful educational actions like interactive groups, literary gatherings, community participation, dialogical teacher training, and a dialogical model of conflict resolution.MethodsThis research analyzed two school clusters in Portugal implementing the INCLUD-ED approach, focusing on practices and impacts on learning, relationships, and inclusion. A qualitative case study method was used, involving interviews with adults and focus groups with students.ResultsBoth schools promoted literary gatherings and interactive groups. Teacher engagement varied, but most participants agreed the approach increased family/community involvement and enhanced academic and socio-emotional learning.DiscussionThe INCLUD-ED approach appears to transform schools into more inclusive learning communities, though full implementation faces some challenges. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term impacts.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1549712/fullinclusive educationschools as learning communitiesstudent diversityproject INCLUD-EDinclusive schools
spellingShingle Maria José D. Martins
Maria José D. Martins
Amélia Marchão
Amélia Marchão
Teresa Oliveira
Ana Paula Caetano
Luís Tinoca
Schools as learning communities for inclusion: insights from case studies of two school clusters in Portugal
Frontiers in Education
inclusive education
schools as learning communities
student diversity
project INCLUD-ED
inclusive schools
title Schools as learning communities for inclusion: insights from case studies of two school clusters in Portugal
title_full Schools as learning communities for inclusion: insights from case studies of two school clusters in Portugal
title_fullStr Schools as learning communities for inclusion: insights from case studies of two school clusters in Portugal
title_full_unstemmed Schools as learning communities for inclusion: insights from case studies of two school clusters in Portugal
title_short Schools as learning communities for inclusion: insights from case studies of two school clusters in Portugal
title_sort schools as learning communities for inclusion insights from case studies of two school clusters in portugal
topic inclusive education
schools as learning communities
student diversity
project INCLUD-ED
inclusive schools
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1549712/full
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