The Communicative Methodology of the INCLUD-ED Research

Abstract

Scientifically published and recognized, the communicative methodology accounts for both the scientific and social aspects of research. In research conducted using the communicative methodology, knowledge is constructed through dialogue between researchers and end-users, who are not traditionally included in the research process. Researchers contribute knowledge from the scientific community, which is contrasted with social actors’ interpretations of their life experiences and common sense. This methodology creates the optimal conditions to realize the intersubjective relationship necessary for both researchers and social agents to share their knowledge and identify actions that overcome exclusionary elements. On the basis of this communicative approach, researchers, teachers, parents, pupils and policy-makers have presented the results of INCLUD-ED at the European Parliament with the subsequent approval of resolutions and recommendations by the Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of Europe, all of whom are grounded in the results of the INCLUD-ED project. By overcoming the interpretative hierarchy, the communicative methodology has contributed improving social actors’ exclusionary situations.