Elements of social justice & perceptions of their influence on student learning. (c2009)

Abstract

Social justice means equality for all people, distribution of fairness regardless of class, gender, race, religion, age, ethnicity, disability or health. Social justice is fundamental to good education. Literature says it is very important to examine the presence of social justice in schools because it improves fairness and students' achievement. This project investigated the presence or absence of social justice elements in a low-middle class school in Lebanon. In this study, the researcher examined three different elements of social justice/injustice: 1) Individualized learning, 2) Enhancement of students’ self-esteem, and 3) Inclusion or catering for students with special needs, as reflected in various school practices. It also examined how teachers and students perceive the impact of these elements on the process of teaching and learning at school. This study was conducted using observation of classroom sessions, semi-structured interviews conducted with students, coordinators and the school supervisor, and questionnaires that were administered to teachers in order to achieve triangulation. Results showed that individualized instruction and enhancement of students' self-esteem are present in the school. However there is no proper care for students with learning disabilities. Implications and recommendations for practice are that a special program for students with learning disabilities should be implemented in the school, and teachers should be more involved and better trained to deal with such students.