Assessing the Impact of Art and Craft Workshops on D.El.Ed Students Understanding of Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs

This study aims to assess the impact of art and craft workshops on the understanding of inclusive education among D.El.Ed students, focusing specifically on their interactions with children with special needs (CWSN). The research involved 130 D.El.Ed trainees from the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Karkardooma, who participated in an art and craft workshop held at Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust School in September 2024. The workshops were designed to provide trainees with practical experience and enhance their pedagogical skills in working with CWSN through creative and engaging activities. Data for this study were collected through structured interviews with 17 selected participants, utilizing a five-point Likert scale to measure their perceptions and understanding of inclusive education before and after the workshop. The objectives of the study were twofold: first, to evaluate the effectiveness of the art and craft workshops in improving the understanding of inclusive education principles among D.El.Ed students, and second, to identify specific aspects of the workshop that contributed to changes in trainees’ perceptions and skills related to inclusive education practices. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of experiential learning through art and craft in fostering an inclusive mindset among future educators. Initial results indicate a significant enhancement in the understanding of inclusive education principles among participants, with a notable increase in their confidence to implement inclusive practices in their future classrooms. Moreover, specific activities within the workshop that promoted active engagement and hands-on experience were identified as key contributors to the positive outcomes observed. By contributing to the existing literature on inclusive education and teacher training, this study underscores the importance of integrating creative and practical experiences into teacher education programs. The implications of this research will inform educators, policymakers, and training institutions on best practices for preparing future teachers to effectively support CWSN, ultimately fostering a more inclusive educational environment.