WORKSHOP REPORT
Workshop on Writing Academic Papers in Inclusive and Special Education
Dates: 12–14 September 2024
Venue: Delhi Public School, North Bangalore, Bangalore
Organized by: Global Inclusive Education Network (GIEN) – an initiative of the Centre for Disability Studies and Action, School of Social Work, TISS, Mumbai, and Brotherhood, Delhi
In Collaboration With: Delhi Public School, North Bangalore
Introduction
The Global Inclusive Education Network (GIEN), in collaboration with Delhi Public School, North Bangalore, organized a three-day Workshop on Writing Academic Papers in Inclusive and Special Education from 12 to 14 September 2024. This initiative follows the successful launch of the first workshop held at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai.
The workshop was specifically curated for practitioners, educators, and professionals engaged in inclusive and special education. These educators, who are often at the forefront of implementing innovative interventions, have repeatedly expressed the need for support in documenting their experiences through research papers and case studies. GIEN responded by offering this capacity-building opportunity to help bridge the gap between practice and academic dissemination.
Background and Rationale
Many educators and special education practitioners possess deep experiential knowledge but lack formal training in academic writing, qualitative research, and documentation techniques. This workshop was designed to address these challenges by equipping them with the skills to structure and share their work through scholarly publications and presentations.
Documenting real-world success stories not only validates the practitioners’ efforts but also contributes to advancing inclusive education theory and practice. It enables the sharing of evidence-based innovations that can be replicated, adapted, or scaled in other contexts.
Workshop Objectives
The key objectives of the workshop were to:
- Emphasize the importance of academic documentation in inclusive and special education.
- Introduce educators to basic research methods, with a focus on qualitative analysis.
- Build capacity in writing academic papers, case studies, and reflective narratives.
- Support educators in identifying and documenting interventions and innovations in their practice.
- Foster a peer-learning environment to share insights, receive feedback, and build a community of practice.
Highlights of the Workshop
- Interactive Sessions: Experts from TISS and other institutions conducted engaging sessions on research design, data collection methods, ethics in research, and narrative writing.
- Practical Exercises: Participants worked on developing outlines for their own papers based on classroom experiences or institutional interventions.
- Peer Review & Feedback: Drafts were presented in groups to receive feedback from peers and mentors.
- Resource Kit: All participants received a resource pack that included guidelines, templates, reading lists, and sample research papers.
Key Themes Covered
- Introduction to Academic Research and its Relevance in Inclusive Education
- Understanding Qualitative Research: Case Studies and Narrative Inquiry
- Structuring Research Papers: From Abstract to References
- Ethical Considerations in Working with Children with Disabilities
- Documenting Classroom Interventions and Innovations
- From Practice to Paper: Identifying and Framing Researchable Topics
Outcomes
- Participants developed preliminary drafts of academic papers or case study frameworks.
- Increased awareness of academic standards, citation practices, and publication avenues.
- Strengthened networks among inclusive education professionals and researchers.
Participant Feedback
Educators appreciated the hands-on and practical approach of the workshop. Many expressed confidences in taking their documentation efforts forward and highlighted the importance of continuing such training opportunities regularly.
Conclusion
This workshop marked a significant step toward creating a stronger bridge between inclusive education practice and academic research. By building capacity in writing and documentation, GIEN aims to support the dissemination of innovative, field-tested strategies that contribute to systemic change in education. The success of this workshop reflects a shared commitment to empowering educators and enriching the knowledge base of inclusive and special education.