From Margins to Mainstream: Investigating Inclusive Pedagogical Strategies to Enhance English Language Mastery in Senior Secondary Education

The Criterion

The Criterion: An International Journal in English
Volume 17, Issue 4 · August 2026 · ISSN 0976-8165

Open Access
CC BY 4.0
Crossref DOI


From Margins to Mainstream: Investigating Inclusive Pedagogical Strategies to Enhance English Language Mastery in Senior Secondary Education


Mr. Atul, Dr. Vinod Kumar

ELT
Pages 391-404
Article #24
2026V17N4058

DOI

Digital Object Identifier

10.66376/criterion.v17.n4.24

Registered with Crossref · Open Access · CC BY 4.0

Abstract

This study analyses how inclusive pedagogic strategies help bridge learning gaps between mainstream and marginalised learners in senior secondary school English language education. Today, with increasing diversity in classrooms, teachers are faced with challenges in providing equal learning opportunities to students coming from socioeconomically deprived or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were utilised to explore better teaching strategies, such as customised teaching methods, guided learning support, and a culturally inclusive teaching approach, to improve English language skills. Data were collected from senior secondary teachers and students situated within diverse institutional contexts using standardised questionnaires, classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews. Results indicated that students who reported using inclusive teaching strategies showed improvements in linguistic proficiency, self-efficacy, and engagement. This study also brings forth the role of collaborative learning environments and continuous teacher professional growth in promoting inclusivity. Suggestions on reforming curriculum, designing teacher training modules, and policy initiatives with a focus on inclusivity in senior secondary school English language pedagogies are given at the end of this paper.

Keywords
Inclusive educationEnglish language masterypedagogical strategiesmarginalised learnerssenior secondary education.

Cite This Article — MLA 9th Edition

Mr. Atul, Dr. Vinod Kumar. “From Margins to Mainstream: Investigating Inclusive Pedagogical Strategies to Enhance English Language Mastery in Senior Secondary Education.” The Criterion: An International Journal in English, vol. 17, no. 4, August 2026, pp. 391-404. DOI, https://doi.org/10.66376/criterion.v17.n4.24.

Article History
Received
4 Jul 2026
Accepted
16 Aug 2026
Published Online
31 Aug 2026

Journal
The Criterion: An International Journal in English
Volume / Issue
Vol. 17, No. 4 (August 2026)
Pages
391-404
Article ID
2026V17N4058
ISSN
0976-8165

Open Access
CC BY 4.0
Crossref DOI

Open Access · CC BY 4.0 · Crossref DOI ·
the-criterion.com

Scroll to Top