Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn)
Vol 20, No 2: May 2026

Ethnographic research on primary education of tribals: a scoping review

Mathew, Jemy Jose (Unknown)
Thomas, Kennedy Andrew (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 May 2026

Abstract

Ethnographic research offers comprehensive learning outcomes by examining the socio-emotional, economic and cultural components crucial for comprehending marginalized groups’ experiences. This study aims to examine the methodologies used in studies and the gaps in the literature on the primary education of tribal communities, highlighting the limitations of the current research approaches. Using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) of Arksey and O’Malley’s six-step framework, the scoping review has considered 19 studies of 406 research articles published from 2015 to 2024 across the databases Scopus, JSTOR, and ERIC. The review highlights that most of these studies used descriptive survey design, mixed-method research design, and ethnographic research design. While the first two document barriers, the ethnographic studies provide richer cultural in-depth also. However, gaps in the literature include a lack of interventions for specific tribes, such as the Mannan community in Kerala, India, and the integration of indigenous knowledge, which is only possible through cultural inclusiveness. The findings suggest that future research should prioritize interdisciplinary collaboration and teacher training in multilingual education (MLE) through ethnographic methods for developing culturally sensitive interventions. These recommendations aim to contribute to developing more culturally inclusive educational practices and policies in the primary education curricula.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

EduLearn

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Library & Information Science Social Sciences Other

Description

Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn) ISSN: 2089-9823, e-ISSN 2302-9277 is a multi-disciplinary, peer-refereed open-access international journal which has been established for the dissemination of state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of education, teaching, development, instruction, ...