INCLUSIVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION: CHALLENGES, INNOVATIONS, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (SEN) STUDENTS
Abstract
The present review examines the conceptual underpinnings, educational arrangements, and institutional needs of Inclusive English Language Education (IELE), highlighting the overarching theme of equity in English language teaching. Engaging with the most recent studies on Special Educational Needs, it unveils the intricate problems that inclusive English language teaching must deal with, among which are the lack of adequate teacher training, the wrongly held belief of deficit thinking, and the different levels of resource distribution existing at both technological and institutional levels. It extracts the most recent and established teaching philosophies such as Differentiated Instruction, Universal Designed Learning, and teaching as a reflective practice, along with the newest technological tools such as AI, Mobile-Assisted Language Learning, and Blended Learning, positing that these tools’ roles could be transformative in helping to establish accessibility and agency. Furthermore, it investigates the policy and institutional props that are underlying the scenario of inclusivity as a sociocultural construct, proposing cooperation as the primary method for undertaking long-term change. From a theoretical perspective, the study formulates a model along the four dimensions of teaching, technology, sociocultural background, and competence, positing transformative outcomes. The study asserts, finally, the quest for inclusive English language education means a transformation, rather than a teaching modification, towards epistemological justice, marking a fresh definition of teaching, learning, and English language equity along the lines of 21st-century global teaching.
Keywords: Differentiated instruction, English language teaching, inclusive education, special educational needs, teacher training, technology integration.
Ethics and Conflict of Interest
This research was conducted in accordance with recognized ethical standards. The author declares that he acted in accordance with ethical rules in all processes of the research, and there are no conflicts of interest related to this work.
REFERENCES
Ackah‐Jnr, F., Appiah, J., & Kwao, A. (2020). Inclusive language as a pedagogical and motivational tool in early childhood settings: Some observations. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 8(9), 176–184. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2020.89012
Aizikova, L., Demianenko, O., & Barkasi, V. (2023). Preparing teachers to use the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol model. Věda a Perspektivy, 11(30). https://doi.org/10.52058/2695-1592-2023-11(30)-19-29
Alian, E., & Alhaj, A. (2023). Investigating the significance and benefits of incorporating innovative educational technology in teaching the English language to Saudi learners at the tertiary level: The university faculty's perspectives. International Journal of Linguistics Literature and Translation, 6(1), 170–179. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt.2023.6.1.22
Baltaru, R. (2020). The rise of agentic inclusion in the UK universities: Maintaining reputation through (formal) diversification. Studies in Higher Education, 47(1), 229–242. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2020.1739015
Börnert-Ringleb, M., Casale, G., & Hillenbrand, C. (2021). What predicts teachers’ use of digital learning in Germany? Examining the obstacles and conditions of digital learning in special education. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 36(1), 80–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2021.1872847
Bsharat, T., & Salah, J. (2024). Unveiling multifaceted benefits and pedagogical insights from drama and cooperative learning in English language education. Journal of Advanced Research in Education, 3(2), 10–23. https://doi.org/10.56397/jare.2024.03.02
Chen, C. (2023). Application of TBLT (Task-Based Language Teaching Approach) in English teaching in junior high schools and universities. Journal of Education Humanities and Social Sciences, 23, 132–135. https://doi.org/10.54097/ehss.v23i.12766
Chen, W., & Wong, K. (2023). Leveraging Flip, a video discussion platform, to support the needs of international ESL pre-service teachers. RELC Journal, 54(2), 489–499. https://doi.org/10.1177/00336882231175510
Chávez-Castillo, Y., Zapata-Lamana, R., Diaz-Vargas, C., Antileo-Miño, L., Castro-Durán, L., Vásquez-Gómez, J., Parra-Rizo, M. A., & Cigarroa, I. (2023). Mental health, subjective well-being, and academic performance in Chilean schoolchildren who are part and are not part of the school inclusion program. Education Sciences, 13(10), 1065. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13101065
Dewi, P., Utami, I., & Utami, I. (2020). Pedagogical content knowledge of teaching English to young learners: The degree of consistency between English teachers’ perceptions and implementation. International Journal of Language and Literature, 4(1), 13–21. https://doi.org/10.23887/ijll.v4i1.30222
Elangovan, K., & Yasin, M. (2024). The use of Kahoot! in increasing the motivation of pupils with special educational needs in English language learning. SE, 2(1), e0014. https://doi.org/10.59055/se.v2i1.14
Eslit, E. (2023). Language and literature education in the era of global connectivity: Navigating multilingualism, cultural diversity, and technological advancements. International Journal of Languages and Culture, 3(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.51483/ijlc.3.1.2023.1-12
Fang, F., & Xu, Y. (2022). Commonalities and conflation of Global Englishes and translanguaging for equitable English language education. TESL-EJ, 26(3). https://doi.org/10.55593/ej.26103a9
Fejes, A., & Dahlstedt, M. (2023). Adult migrants’ language learning, labour market, and social inclusion. Social Inclusion, 11(4), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.v11i4.7583
Filippou, K., Acquah, E., & Bengs, A. (2025). Inclusive policies and practices in higher education: A systematic literature review. Review of Education, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.70034
Hashim, H., Jamal, M., Esa, I., & Rafiq, K. (2023). TEALL: Technology-Enhanced Active Language Learning. Creative Education, 14(7), 1453–1462. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2023.147092
Herrero, P., Gasset, D., & García, A. (2020). Inclusive education at a Spanish university: The voice of students with intellectual disability. Disability & Society, 36(3), 376–398. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2020.1745758
Hoffmann, L., Närhi, V., Savolainen, H., & Schwab, S. (2021). Classroom behavioural climate in inclusive education – A study on secondary students’ perceptions. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 21(4), 312–322. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12529
Hussain, A., & Amanat, A. (2021). The reason for low English language literacy among the students of social sciences in rural colleges of the Punjab. Pakistan Languages and Humanities Review, 5(II). https://doi.org/10.47205/plhr.2021(5-ii)1.50
Kaldarova, A., Vasquez, M., & Zhanabayeva, S. (2024). Enhancing soft skills in teaching English: A study utilizing Padlet application among students. PEDS, 74(3). https://doi.org/10.48371/peds.2024.74.3.018
Kenny, N., McCoy, S., & Norman, J. (2023). A whole education approach to inclusive education: An integrated model to guide planning, policy, and provision. Education Sciences, 13(9), 959. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13090959
Kirahla, J., & Tyas, P. (2020). Tracing native teacher talk and classroom interaction in EFL context. Journal of English for Academic and Specific Purposes, 3(1), 33–42. https://doi.org/10.18860/jeasp.v3i1.9073
Klimentyeva, V., Klimentyev, D., Pashneva, S., Umerenkova, A., & Fedorova, D. (2021). Impact of inclusive education on improving the quality of life of totally blind students. SHS Web of Conferences, 98, 02013. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20219802013
Kostka, I., & Toncelli, R. (2023). Exploring applications of ChatGPT to English language teaching: Opportunities, challenges, and recommendations. TESL-EJ, 27(3). https://doi.org/10.55593/ej.27107int
Kuswantoro, A., & Novita, D. (2024). Overcoming speech anxiety in English language classrooms. JPBI, 1(3), 10. https://doi.org/10.47134/jpbi.v1i3.419
Lacar, J. (2021). Inclusive education at the heart of mainstream language pedagogy: Perspectives and challenges. International Journal of Linguistics Literature and Translation, 4(3), 124–131. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt.2021.4.3.14
Lei, S. (2022). The application of task-based language teaching in the teaching of English for special purposes. Journal of Contemporary Educational Research, 6(8), 113–117. https://doi.org/10.26689/jcer.v6i8.4197
Liu, L., Kasuma, S. A., & Lah, S. C. (2023). The Impact of Mobile Resources on Enhancing Lifelong Learning Among Chinese Undergraduate EFL Students: A Gender-Based Exploration. International Journal of Virtual and Personal Learning Environments (IJVPLE), 13(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJVPLE.331081
Lintangsari, A., & Emaliana, I. (2020). Inclusive education services for the blind: Values, roles, and challenges of university EFL teachers. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), 9(2), 439. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v9i2.20436
Mahayanti, N., Suwastini, N., Budiarta, L., & Putra, I. (2024). Mapping translanguaging practices in the EFL classroom: A bibliometric analysis 2015–2024. Revista De Gestão Social E Ambiental, 18(7), e07194. https://doi.org/10.24857/rgsa.v18n7-128
Malahlela, M., & Johnson, E. (2024). South African teachers’ application of inclusive education policies and their impact on learners with learning disabilities: Implications for teacher education. Education Sciences, 14(7), 743. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14070743
Masunungure, A., & Maguvhe, M. (2023). Paving ways for effective inclusion in selected mainstream secondary schools in Gauteng province, South Africa. International Journal of Learning Teaching and Educational Research, 22(5), 558–569. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.22.5.28
Meniado, J. (2023). Digital language teaching 5.0: Technologies, trends and competencies. RELC Journal, 54(2), 461–473. https://doi.org/10.1177/00336882231160610
Moorhouse, B., & Wong, K. (2021). Blending asynchronous and synchronous digital technologies and instructional approaches to facilitate remote learning. Journal of Computers in Education, 9(1), 51–70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-021-00195-8
Musayaroh, S., Maryanti, R., & Maulidina, C. (2023). Attitudes of elementary school teachers towards inclusive education: Implementation of the SACIE-R scale. Jurnal Basicedu, 7(5), 3166–3171. https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v7i5.6159
Nadia, H., Yansyah, Y., & Rafidiyah, D. (2021). Designing an online work-related language skill for nursing students: A developmental research. JEES (Journal of English Educators Society), 6(1), 163–170. https://doi.org/10.21070/jees.v6i1.1112
Nnamani, G., & Lomer, S. (2024). ‘What is the problem represented to be’ in the educational policies relating to the social inclusion of learners with SEN in mainstream schools in England? Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 24(4), 1046–1059. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12692
Obah, A. (2024). The effectiveness of inclusive education policies for students with disabilities. IJHSS, 2(5), 50–63. https://doi.org/10.47941/ijhss.1888
Paustovska, M., Lytovchenko, S., Marіeіev, D., Bazyliak, N., & Malii, A. (2024). Approaches to inclusive foreign language instruction in higher education. Salud Ciencia Y Tecnología - Serie De Conferencias, 3. https://doi.org/10.56294/sctconf2024.711
Pryor, S., Diaz, M., & Ruddick, M. (2023). Barriers to education for special educational needs students at Japanese universities. International Journal of TESOL Studies. https://doi.org/10.58304/ijts.20230303
Rahayu, S., & Syahrizal, T. (2020). Teacher talk in young learners’ classroom interaction. Indonesian EFL Journal, 6(1), 89. https://doi.org/10.25134/ieflj.v6i1.2651
Rahmaniar, R., Surahmat, Z., Sardi, A., & Nurnaifah, I. (2024). Challenge and opportunities: A qualitative exploration of junior high school English language educators' perspectives on implementing differentiated instruction. JELITA, 5(1), 28–40. https://doi.org/10.56185/jelita.v5i1.597
Ranjit, R. (2022). Classroom challenges of secondary level English teachers at remote government schools in Nepal. JELITA Journal of Education Language Innovation and Applied Linguistics, 1(1), 10–25. https://doi.org/10.37058/jelita.v1i1.4443
Ruddick, M., & Pryor, S. (2021). English language teaching faculty members’ knowledge and awareness of special educational needs at universities in Japan: A qualitative study. English as a Foreign Language International Journal, 25(6), 44–63. https://doi.org/10.56498/822562021
Sepian, N., Arepin, M., & Rahmat, N. (2023). Exploring the types of task differentiated strategies (DS) in teaching writing. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(11). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v13-i11/19406
Şahan, K., Galloway, N., & McKinley, J. (2022). ‘English-only’ English medium instruction: Mixed views in Thai and Vietnamese higher education. Language Teaching Research, 29(2), 657–676. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688211072632
Sin, K., Yang, L., & Ye, F. (2023). Self-dehumanization and other-dehumanization toward students with special educational needs: Examining their prevalence, consequences and identifying solutions—A study protocol. BMC Psychology, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01178-3
Siyabi, J., Tuzlukova, V., Kaabi, K., & Hadra, M. (2022). Assistive technology in the English language classroom: Reality and perspectives. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 13(6), 1203–1210. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1306.08
Thomas, F. (2022). A study focuses on the usage of ICT in English teaching-learning for students with special educational needs in an inclusive classroom settings. Conference on English Language Teaching, 2, 56–64. https://doi.org/10.24090/celti.v2.34
Thao, D. (2022). Implementation of inclusive education policy for disabled children in primary schools in Vietnam. Economics Law and Policy, 5(2), 1. https://doi.org/10.22158/elp.v5n2p1
Tuzlukova, V., Siyabi, J., Kaabi, K., & Hadra, M. (2023). Established practices, challenges and achievements in creating inclusive English language classrooms in Oman’s institutions of higher education. Journal of Teaching English for Specific and Academic Purposes, 329. https://doi.org/10.22190/jtesap230323025t
Ugalde, L., Santiago-Garabieta, M., Villarejo-Carballido, B., & Puigvert, L. (2021). Impact of interactive learning environments on learning and cognitive development of children with special educational needs: A literature review. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.674033
Vizcarra-Garcia, J. (2021). Teachers’ perceptions of gender inclusive language in the classroom. International Journal of Linguistics Literature and Translation, 4(3), 110–116. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt.2021.4.3.12
Wu, J. (2023). Applying flipped classroom assisted learning to English+normal university students under TBL mode: Insights from Bruner's discovery learning theory. Curriculum and Teaching Methodology, 6(19). https://doi.org/10.23977/curtm.2023.061913
Zhang, Y., Hu, Y., & Yu, M. (2024). Exploring emotional support and engagement in adolescent EFL learning: The mediating role of emotion regulation strategies. Language Teaching Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688241266184
Zheng, S., & Zhou, X. (2022). Positive influence of cooperative learning and emotion regulation on EFL learners’ foreign language enjoyment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), 12604. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912604
Zhou, K., & Li, L. (2023). Exploration of digital reform and innovation models for college English teaching under the new liberal arts context. Frontiers in Educational Research, 6(29). https://doi.org/10.25236/fer.2023.062920
Žero, A. (2024). A comparative analysis of English language student and teacher training in inclusive education and specific learning difficulties in Canton Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Društvene I Humanističke Studije (Online), 9(1(25)), 379–398. https://doi.org/10.51558/2490-3647.2024.9.1.379
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 by Halil SARI

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.


