Autumn 2023

Khazar University
Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
Department of Education
Subject: Introduction to Education
Tutor/Lecturer: Javid Jafarov
Exam duration: 90 minutes
Total score: 35 (a question = 7 points)
Mansura Garaeva

1. What terms expressed ‘the experience’ throughout the history that later defined as
‘inclusion’ or inclusive education? Please describe what these terms are and mean.

Throughout history, education has been shaped by various terms and concepts that have
defined the experience of students with diverse backgrounds and abilities. From
exclusion and segregation to integration and finally inclusion, these terms have played a
significant role in shaping the educational landscape.
Exclusion
In the context of education refers to the deliberate and systematic denial of access to
education for certain groups of individuals based on their race, ethnicity, disability, or
socioeconomic status. This discriminatory practice was prevalent in many societies,
where marginalized groups were often denied the opportunity to receive a quality
education. Exclusion perpetuated inequality and limited the potential of countless
individuals, leading to long-term social and economic consequences.
Segregation
A term closely associated with exclusion, refers to the practice of separating students
based on their differences, such as race or disability. This practice was prevalent in many
educational institutions, where students were placed in separate facilities or classrooms,
leading to unequal access to resources and opportunities. Segregation reinforced social
barriers and perpetuated the marginalization of certain groups, ultimately hindering
their academic and social development.
Integration
The concept of integration emerged as a response to the discriminatory practices of
exclusion and segregation. It aimed to bring together students from diverse backgrounds
and abilities in the same educational settings, fostering a sense of unity and equality.
While integration represented a significant step forward in promoting diversity and
inclusivity, it often fell short of creating truly inclusive environments, as it failed to
address the individual needs and experiences of students with diverse backgrounds and
abilities.
Inclusion
 The most recent and progressive concept, encompasses the idea of embracing and
accommodating the diversity of all students within mainstream educational settings. It
emphasizes the importance of providing equitable access to education, support services,
and resources for all students, regardless of their differences. Inclusion promotes a sense
of belonging and acceptance, and it recognizes the value of diversity in enriching the
educational experience for all students. Inclusive education aims to create learning
environments that are responsive to the needs of every individual, fostering a culture of
respect, empathy, and collaboration.

In conclusion, the terms expressed throughout history, including exclusion, segregation,

integration, and inclusion, have played a crucial role in shaping the educational
experiences of diverse students.

2. Please consider your own school experience. What term(s) you mentioned above could
describe your school well? Please explain your opinion with examples.

One term that aptly describes my school is "diverse." My school is a melting pot of
cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. For instance, in my class, students come from
different ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds, which has enriched our learning
experience. This diversity has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of different
cultures and has helped foster empathy and respect among students.
Another term that characterizes my school is "supportive." The teachers and staff at my
school have always been supportive of students' academic and personal growth. For
example, when I was struggling with a particular subject, my teachers offered extra help
and resources to ensure that I grasped the concepts. Furthermore, the school counselor
and support staff have been readily available to address students' emotional and mental
well-being, creating a safe and nurturing environment.
In addition, my school can be described as "innovative." The school has embraced
technology and modern teaching methods to enhance the learning experience. For
instance, we have access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as computer labs and
interactive smart boards, which have made learning more engaging and effective.
Furthermore, the school encourages creativity and critical thinking, fostering an
environment where students are motivated to explore new ideas and concepts.
Furthermore, my school can be characterized as "inclusive." The school promotes
inclusivity and equality, ensuring that every student feels valued and respected. For
example, the school has implemented programs and initiatives to create a more
inclusive environment for students with disabilities, allowing them to fully participate in
school activities and events. Additionally, the school has taken steps to address issues of
discrimination and bullying, promoting a culture of tolerance and acceptance.
In conclusion, my school experience can be accurately described by the terms "diverse,"
"supportive," "innovative," and "inclusive."
3. How do you understand the terms ‘motivation’, ‘job satisfaction’, ‘effectiveness’,
‘performance’ and ‘organizational citizenship behavior’? Please describe how these
terms are related to and influence each other?
Understanding the terms motivation, job satisfaction, effectiveness, performance, and
organizational citizenship behavior is crucial in comprehending the dynamics of the
workplace. These concepts are interconnected and play a significant role in shaping
individual and organizational behavior.
Motivation is the driving force that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented
behaviors. It is the internal and external factors that stimulate desire and energy in
people to be continually interested and committed to a job, role, or subject, or to make
an effort to attain a goal. Job satisfaction, on the other hand, refers to the contentment
or fulfillment that an individual derives from their work. It is influenced by various
factors such as the nature of the work, the organizational culture, relationships with
colleagues, and opportunities for advancement. Motivation and job satisfaction are
closely linked, as individuals who are motivated are more likely to experience job
satisfaction, and vice versa.

Effectiveness is the degree to which objectives are achieved, and the extent to which
targeted problems are solved. In the workplace, effectiveness is often measured by an
individual's ability to perform their tasks efficiently and achieve desired outcomes.
Motivation and job satisfaction have a direct impact on an individual's effectiveness, as
employees who are motivated and satisfied with their jobs are more likely to perform at
a high level.
Performance, on the other hand, refers to the execution of tasks and responsibilities by
an individual in the workplace. It is the measurable output of an individual's work and is
closely tied to effectiveness. Motivation, job satisfaction, and effectiveness all play a role
in influencing an individual's performance. For example, a highly motivated and satisfied
employee is more likely to exhibit high levels of performance and achieve desired results.
Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) involves the extra-role behaviors that are not
part of an individual's formal job requirements but contribute to the overall effectiveness
of the organization. OCB includes acts such as helping colleagues, volunteering for
additional tasks, and participating in organizational activities. Motivation, job
satisfaction, effectiveness, and performance all influence OCB, as individuals who are
motivated, satisfied with their jobs, and perform effectively are more likely to engage in
OCB.
In conclusion, motivation, job satisfaction, effectiveness, performance, and
organizational citizenship behavior are interconnected and influence each other in the
workplace. Understanding these concepts is essential for organizations to create a work
environment that fosters motivation, job satisfaction, and high levels of performance
 and effectiveness, while also encouraging organizational citizenship behavior. By
recognizing the relationships between these terms, organizations can work towards
creating a positive and productive workplace culture.

4. What motivation theories do you know? And how do they explain motivation? Which
one do you think is the most common and why?
Motivation is a fundamental aspect of human behavior, driving individuals to pursue
goals, overcome challenges, and achieve success. Over the years, various motivation
theories have been proposed to explain the underlying factors that influence human
motivation.
One of the prominent motivation theories is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which posits
that individuals are driven by a hierarchy of needs, starting from basic physiological
needs such as food, water, and shelter, and progressing to higher-level needs such as
self-esteem and self-actualization. According to Maslow, individuals must fulfill lower-
level needs before progressing to higher ones, and the satisfaction of these needs serves
as a motivator for behavior.
Another significant theory is Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, which distinguishes between
motivator factors and hygiene factors. Motivator factors, such as recognition and
achievement, are intrinsic to the job and lead to satisfaction and motivation, while
hygiene factors, such as salary and working conditions, are extrinsic and prevent
dissatisfaction but do not necessarily lead to motivation. This theory explains that
motivation is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the work environment.
Additionally, the Expectancy Theory, proposed by Victor Vroom, emphasizes the role of
expectancy, instrumentality, and valence in motivating behavior. Expectancy refers to
the belief that effort will lead to performance, instrumentality is the belief that
performance will lead to outcomes, and valence is the value an individual places on the
outcomes. According to this theory, individuals are motivated to exert effort when they
believe it will lead to desired outcomes.
Furthermore, the Equity Theory, developed by J. Stacy Adams, focuses on the perception
of fairness in the workplace. It suggests that individuals compare their input (e.g., effort,
time) and outcomes (e.g., rewards, recognition) to those of others, and if they perceive
inequity, it leads to motivation to restore a sense of fairness. This theory highlights the
importance of perceived fairness in motivating behavior.

Among the various motivation theories, the most common one is likely Maslow's
Hierarchy of Needs, as it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding human
motivation and has been widely applied in diverse fields. The theory's emphasis on the
hierarchical nature of needs and the concept of self-actualization resonates with many
individuals, making it a popular and influential theory of motivation. However, it is
important to recognize that different theories may be more relevant in specific contexts,
and a combination of theories may provide a more holistic understanding of motivation.
 In conclusion, motivation theories offer valuable insights into the complex nature of
human motivation and provide a basis for understanding and enhancing motivation in
various settings.

5. What elements do you think are very important when you think about ‘learning
objectives’ and ‘assessment’ in a curriculum designed for primary school students?
What would you consider the most important elements to consider in both learning
objectives and assessment?
In the field of education, the design and implementation of a curriculum play a crucial
role in shaping the learning experiences of students. Two key components of a
curriculum are learning objectives and assessment. When developing a curriculum for
primary school students, it is essential to consider the most important elements in both
learning objectives and assessment to ensure that the educational needs of students are
effectively met.

Learning Objectives
The learning objectives of a curriculum are the specific goals and outcomes that
educators aim to achieve through instruction. When designing learning objectives for
primary school students, it is important to consider the developmental stage and
cognitive abilities of the students. Clear and measurable learning objectives help to
guide the teaching and learning process, ensuring that students are provided with a
purposeful and structured learning experience. In the context of primary education, the
most important elements to consider in learning objectives include alignment with
educational standards, relevance to students’ lives, and the promotion of critical
thinking and problem-solving skills.

Assessment
Assessment is an integral part of the curriculum, as it provides educators with valuable
information about students’ learning progress and achievement of learning objectives.
In the primary school setting, assessment should be designed to be developmentally
appropriate and should provide a comprehensive view of students’ learning. The most
important elements to consider in assessment for primary school students include the
use of a variety of assessment methods, such as formative and summative assessments,
to capture different aspects of student learning. Additionally, assessment should be fair,
reliable, and valid, ensuring that it accurately reflects students’ knowledge and skills.
Furthermore, assessment should be used to provide timely and constructive feedback to
students, guiding them towards improvement and growth.
In conclusion, the elements of learning objectives and assessment are crucial
considerations when designing a curriculum for primary school students. By establishing
clear and relevant learning objectives aligned with educational standards and promoting
critical thinking skills, educators can guide students towards meaningful learning
experiences. Additionally, the use of varied and fair assessment methods can provide
valuable insights into students’ learning progress and support their continued academic
development. Overall, a well-designed curriculum that prioritizes effective learning
objectives and assessment can contribute to the holistic development of primary school
students.