Educational psychology: a critical part of inclusive education

How inclusive education is conceived and how this influences opportunities for students to effectively participate in school is a well known challenge. First, we will define and bridge concepts of educational psychology and inclusive education, followed by discussions pertaining to social responsibility that aim to address the challenges in achieving inclusion. We argue for approaches that align inclusive education with its ideals in terms of student-centred practices and policies as well as participatory research methods, sharing implications for the future. The authors draw on their experiences as educational psychologists and educators working in primary and secondary schools with vulnerable students over the last decade. Student-centred practices and participatory methods are approaches that draw on the educational psychologists’ skills used when working in a school. We conclude with remarks about how inclusion may be enacted to ensure the best interests of all students including students with a disability and from diverse backgrounds in education and in research.