Fostering Diversity and Participation with School Gardens: Examining Possibilities and Challenges under Different National Educational Policies

[EN] Background/purpose. Despite progress in inclusive education policies, research has largely neglected the analysis of learning environments that are adjustable for all students. School gardens are learning environments that emphasize the broader view of participation on current perspectives of i...

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Carvalho, Ana Eloisa, Aguiar, Manuel, Torres, Ana Cristina, Blanc Clavero, Sara|||0000-0001-6439-2902
Tipo de documento: artigo
Data de publicação:2024
País:España
Recursos:Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
Repositório:RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia
Idioma:inglês
OAI Identifier:oai:riunet.upv.es:10251/220632
Acesso em linha:https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/220632
Access Level:Acceso aberto
Palavra-chave:Educational policy
Environmental education
Inclusion
School gardens
Sustainability
04.- Garantizar una educación de calidad inclusiva y equitativa, y promover las oportunidades de aprendizaje permanente para todos
Descrição
Resumo:[EN] Background/purpose. Despite progress in inclusive education policies, research has largely neglected the analysis of learning environments that are adjustable for all students. School gardens are learning environments that emphasize the broader view of participation on current perspectives of inclusion. This article discusses the possibilities and limitations of using school gardens in inclusive learning environments and their relations with different inclusive education national policies. Materials/methods. We performed a content analysis of inclusive education national policies and 16 learning activities tested and implemented in four schools from Slovenia, Spain, Greece, and Portugal participating in an exchange project which promoted teaching with school gardens supported by digital tools. Results. The study revealed illustrations of how activities that combine the use of school gardens with digital tools can emphasize collaboration and participation in inclusive learning approaches. However, fostering inclusive practices was found to be either constrained or promoted by each country¿s view of inclusion in educational policies. Conclusion. Integrating teacher collaboration and project-based learning with garden-based school activities fosters student collaboration and participation, while offering enriched sensorial experiences that benefit the learning and development of all students. School gardens also foster inclusion through deepening intercultural understanding and stronger student interactions that heighten awareness and normalization of diversity.