A Comparative Case Study of Inclusive Culture in the Brno, Czech Republic Schools, and Fiji Inclusive Primary School.

Abstract

This study examined the inclusive teachers' perception of an inclusive culture in the inclusive schools in Fiji and Brno, Czech Republic schools. A comparative case study research design was employed, using mixed methods concentrating on qualitative data. The methods employed in this research include surveys, semi-structured interviews, and observations. Data was collected from teachers teaching in inclusive schools in both countries and was analyzed using SPSS. The qualitative data was also analyzed manually using a data analysis matrix. The research took place in two phases: firstly, through the interview and secondly, through the distribution of survey questionnaires to the schools under study. The findings revealed that although inclusive culture had become the norm worldwide, there are still many gaps in both countries. However, Brno, Czech Republic, is ahead of Fiji regarding inclusive culture. The history of Inclusive Education (I.E.) teaching within primary schools in Fiji began recently. There has been no comprehensive study of an inclusive culture in Fiji schools. These findings have implications for teacher training institutions and provide them with inclusive approaches to cope with students' diverse needs in the inclusive classroom. The results have the perspective to affect inclusive culture in both the countries' inclusive schools. This scholarship expects policymakers, educators, teachers, and decision-makers to give it the topmost priority.