Current Research

My research interests lie in the area of inclusive and special education.

In particular, the social relationships and interactions of pupils in mainstream and other settings have long been the focus of my research. I employ a combination of methods to understand those relationships including sociometry, social network analysis and, what I call, socionetnography, a combination of social network analysis and ethnographic/qualitative methods. For more information, follow the link to socionetnography.net.

I am also interested in the role of inclusive pedagogy in enhancing the learning of all students within a classroom. The role of teachers and their teaching arrangements/pedagogical approaches is central to my research. Following my PhD research, I have found out that the way teachers teach plays an important role in facilitating the learning of all pupils.

I also have an interest in comparative studies within the area of inclusion as well as international perspectives around disability, inclusion and diversity.

PhD Research

My PhD research explored the social status of pupils, identified as having special educational needs, in mainstream primary schools in Cyprus. The term ‘social status’ refers to the social contacts, interactions and relationships of these pupils with their peers. In terms of methodology, I have employed a mixed methods approach in collecting and analysing the data. In particular, sociometry was utilised in the first phase of data collection while in-depth observation and interviews with pupils and teachers comprised the main research methods during the second phase.

The research took place in five mainstream primary schools in Cyprus, in a total of eight classrooms. The selection of schools was accomplished in terms of accessibility and location. Four rural and four urban classrooms were finally selected.

The results suggest that, despite ‘social inclusion’ being a high priority within the Cypriot educational system, the majority of pupils, identified as having special educational needs, remain marginalised and excluded.

Consultancy

For consultancy and other related research issues, please feel free to get in touch via the contact form.