Appreciative Inquiry for Inclusive Schools: Preliminary Results from a Scoping Review on Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Elsa

Appreciative Inquiry is presented as a strength-based approach that can help inclusive schools by co-creating positive, transformative processes within educational contexts. The study explores existing literature on adopting Appreciative Inquiry in inclusive education and reports preliminary outcomes from a scoping review. The review follows the PRISMA-ScR checklist and includes five databases and global search engines, focusing on how Appreciative Inquiry may support full participation and learning for students using Virtual Learning Environments.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Theoretical Framework

Appreciative Inquiry for Inclusive Schools: Preliminary Results from a Scoping Review on Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)1 By Flavia Capodanno 􀀍, Emanuela Zappalà􀁲 & Paola Aiello 􀁱 Inclusion is widely recognized as one of the founding principles for the quality of educational institutions and it is strictly related to the ICF perspective. Actually, the conceptualization of educational needs is associated to the enhancement of everyone’s strengths and potential, and to the influence the (physical and social) environment may have. For these reasons schools should pay attention on these factors and on what is positive to lead to transformative and generative processes that may promote inclusion. In this sense, a useful framework may be that of the Appreciative Inquiry as it is strength-based process through which people act in partnership to determine and co-create how to move an organization forward. Based on this premises, this contribution aims at exploring existing literature on the adoption of this strength-based approach in the inclusive educational field and presenting preliminary results of a Scoping review. The PRISMA-ScR checklist will be used to report the review and five databases and global search engines. Asa final point, this preliminary investigation will pay special attention to the adoption of the Appreciative Inquiry to encourage full participation and learning process of students who use Virtual Learning Environment at school. Results show that only few studies adopt the AI in this specific educational field, but an interesting investigation propose the adaptation of the Appreciative Learning. Hence, more studies should be done to make clear how this process may support inclusive process. Keywords: appreciative inquiry, inclusion, virtual learning environments, scoping review Introduction In contemporary education, inclusion is a fundamental goal for establishing fair and high-quality learning experiences. It ensures that every student, regardless of their background or abilities, has access to education according to their individual needs. Inclusive practices are linked with positive academic and social outcomes for all students, not only those with special educational needs or disabilities (Booth & Ainscow 2014; Aiello & Pace, 2020; Stainback & Stainback, 1990; UN, 2015). These practices foster a sense of belonging, respect for diversity, and readiness for life. 􀀍PhD Student, University of Salerno, Italy. 􀁲Junior Researcher, University of Salerno, Italy. 􀁱Professor, University of Salerno, Italy. 1The article is the result of a collaboration between the authors. However, Flavia Capodanno wrote paragraphs “2 . Theoretical framework” and “4. Results and discussion”; Emanuela Zappalà wrote paragraphs 1. Introduction”,“3. Methodology” and “5. Conclusion”; Paola Aiello is the scientific coordinator of the research. An approach that may support schools in addressing these purposes is Appreciative Inquiry (AI; Cooperrider, Whitney, & Stavros, 2008), a strength-based approach that involves stakeholders in a collaborative effort to promote meaningful organizational change. Originating in organizational and management sectors, AI has been applied in education, providing a new perspective on addressing the educational community’s needs. This approach emphasizes recognizing and utilizing the positive aspects and successful strategies within an educational environment. By doing so, it aims to initiate transformative and developmental processes, which align with the goals of inclusive education. Furthermore, AI may enable educators andinstitutions to recognize and build upon each student’s unique contributions and potential, ensuring accessible, engaging, and individualized education. Hence, by focusing on effective practices, AI can create a positive, collaborative, and innovative learning environment that adapts to the diverse needs of all students. Moreover, with the increasing use of techn

FAQs

What is the purpose of using Appreciative Inquiry in inclusive schools?

It is used as a strength-based process that involves stakeholders in partnership to co-create how to move educational organizations forward and support inclusion.

How is the scoping review conducted in this study?

The review uses the PRISMA-ScR checklist and draws evidence from five databases and global search engines.

What does the preliminary review find about the literature on this topic?

Only a few studies adopt Appreciative Inquiry in this specific educational field, with at least one investigation proposing adaptation of related approaches for virtual learning contexts.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Elsa