1
|
Pang F, Yang L, Tse CY, Sin KF. Assessing the Relationship Between Teacher Inclusive Beliefs, Behaviors, and Competences of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06473-5. [PMID: 39020214 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06473-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the associations between teachers' beliefs and behaviors related to inclusive education (IE) and their evaluations of social and academic competences in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - important indicators of IE. Utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research investigated how teachers' intentions to implement IE and their supportive practices affected the social and academic competences of students with ASD. The study involved 267 teachers from 78 mainstream secondary schools in Hong Kong. Teachers completed a questionnaire assessing attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to implement IE. Information on teachers' practices supporting students with ASD and their evaluations of social and academic competences of these students was also collected. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships between these variables. Correlation analysis revealed positive and significant associations between teachers' beliefs, inclusive practices, and their evaluations of social and academic competences of students with ASD. SEM indicated that perceived behavioral control significantly and positively influenced the social and academic competences of students with ASD through teachers' inclusive practices. This study highlights the vital role of teachers' control beliefs and inclusive practices in fostering the social and academic competences of students with ASD. By applying the TPB and SEM, the research contributes to understanding how teachers' intentions and behaviors in implementing IE impact students' outcomes. The findings offer practical implications for enhancing inclusive education practices for supporting students with ASD in mainstream schools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feifan Pang
- Centre for Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Ting Kok, Hong Kong
| | - Lan Yang
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction, The Education University of Hong Kong, Ting Kok, Hong Kong.
- Analytics\Assessment Research Centre (ARC), The Education University of Hong Kong, Ting Kok, Hong Kong.
- Centre for Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Ting Kok, Hong Kong.
| | - Choi Yeung Tse
- Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE), The Education University of Hong Kong, Ting Kok, Hong Kong
| | - Kuen Fung Sin
- Centre for Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Ting Kok, Hong Kong
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Ting Kok, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Woolfson LM. Is inclusive education for children with special educational needs and disabilities an impossible dream? BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38890011 DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Countries have been implementing inclusive educational practices for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) for at least 30 years. AIMS Some issues continue to present as unresolved and will be examined in this paper with possible ways forward suggested. 1. There is still a lack of clarity around the definition of inclusion, its theoretical underpinnings, its implementation in practice and evaluation of success. 2. Teachers often still report the same problems of insufficient resources and express the same concerns about lack of skills and knowledge as reported in the early days. 3. A key question is, do children with SEND achieve better outcomes in inclusive educational settings? DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The paper argues that an overarching executive framework applied to the education of children with SEND is needed to provide a common frame of reference that can be shared by educators, policymakers and researchers. New ways of resourcing inclusion are discussed including supporting collaboration between mainstream and special schools to better utilize the expertise located in special schools. The paper examines the evidence for improved academic and social outcomes for learners with SEND in inclusive schools and proposes that psychological outcomes now need to be measured too. It further suggests that future research needs to drill down to the level of teacher classroom instruction rather than rely on the broader mainstream school-special school comparison.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Marks Woolfson
- Department of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Opoku MP, Elhoweris H, Moustafa A, Miezah D, Shah H, Oppong A. Perceived Competence of Teachers in the Implementation of Trauma-informed Practices for Students with Disabilities in Classrooms in the United Arab Emirates. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2024; 17:611-625. [PMID: 38938937 PMCID: PMC11199469 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-023-00591-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Trauma refers to an overwhelming experience that can leave lingering and negative memories in individuals. Although it is a precursor to challenging behaviours among students with disabilities, the ability of teachers to manage and support them in overcoming their post-trauma experiences is rarely discussed in the literature. This study aims to understand the perceived competence of teachers in adopting trauma-informed practices (TIP) for students with disabilities in regular classrooms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The trauma model of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guided the development of the Teacher Trauma Management Scale (TTMS) as well as the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR-16), which was used for data collection. A total of 244 in-service teachers were recruited from 22 schools in one of the seven Emirates in the UAE. The data were subjected to a t-test, an analysis of variance, Pearson moment-production correlation, hierarchical regression and moderation analyses. The results show an interrelationship between most of the domains of the SAMHSA model, the ambivalence of participants towards the implementation of TIP, a small influence of social desirability and the effect of background variables on TIP in the UAE. The study findings showed neutrality of participants on trauma management and thus, highlighting the need for TIP policy formulation, curriculum reform and other implications, which are discussed in detail in the paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Peprah Opoku
- Special Education Department, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, P. O. Box P.O. Box No. 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hala Elhoweris
- Special Education Department, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, P. O. Box P.O. Box No. 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ashraf Moustafa
- Special Education Department, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, P. O. Box P.O. Box No. 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Daniel Miezah
- Department of Education and Psychology, Faculty of Educational Foundations, College of Education Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape-Coast, Ghana
| | - Haseena Shah
- Special Education Department, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, P. O. Box P.O. Box No. 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Angelina Oppong
- The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Accra, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pagani S, Hunter SC, Lawrence D, Elliott MA. Evaluating Mentors in Violence Prevention: A Longitudinal, Multilevel Assessment of Outcome Changes. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:1390-1404. [PMID: 37097430 PMCID: PMC10127949 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01781-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to increase understanding of the effectiveness of bystander programmes targeting gender-based violence in the United Kingdom. There is also a need to utilise a robust theoretical models of decision-making while doing so. Changes were examined in bystanders' attitudes, beliefs, motivations towards intervening, and intervention behavior in situations of gender-based violence. To achieve this, a quantitative examination of Mentors in Violence Prevention was conducted. There were 1396 participants (50% female, 50% male) who were aged 11 to 14 years old (M = 12.25, SD = 0.84) attending high school at the first time point. Participants were attending 17 schools (53% Mentors in Violence Prevention and 47% control) in Scotland. Outcome variables were assessed approximately one year apart using questionnaires. Multilevel linear regressions revealed that Mentors in Violence Prevention did not change outcomes reflecting bystanders' attitudes, beliefs, motivations towards intervening, or intervention behavior in gender-based violence. Discrepancies between the current findings and those of other evaluations may be due to other studies including small numbers of schools that may be more motivated to implement the program. This study also identified two key issues that need to be addressed at stakeholder level before concluding that Mentors in Violence Prevention is ineffective at targeting gender-based violence. That the program has moved towards a more gender-neutral approach in the United Kingdom could explain the null results of this study. Furthermore, the current findings could be attributed to a failure to adequately address the theoretical model underpinning the program in practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Pagani
- University of Strathclyde, 16 Richmond Street, Glasgow, G1 1XQ, Scotland, UK
| | - Simon C Hunter
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK.
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - David Lawrence
- Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Mark A Elliott
- University of Strathclyde, 16 Richmond Street, Glasgow, G1 1XQ, Scotland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pagani S, Hunter SC, Elliott MA. Evaluating the Mentors in Violence Prevention Program: A Process Examination of How Implementation Can Affect Gender-Based Violence Outcomes. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:4390-4415. [PMID: 35904283 PMCID: PMC9850381 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221115117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Gender-based violence is a global public health issue and major human rights concern. It is also a type of violence that is disproportionately experienced by women and girls. This study is the first to examine multiple implementation process (dosage, fidelity, and adaptation) effects on changes in anticipated outcomes of a school-based bystander program targeting gender-based violence, Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP). Data were collected from two participant groups: mentees (students receiving MVP) and mentors (students delivering MVP), across nine participating high schools. The mentee sample comprised 698 students (about 48.9% males and 49.7% females), aged 11 to 14 years old (M = 11.86, SD = 0.64). The mentor sample comprised 118 students (17.80% males, 82.20% females), aged 15 to 18 years old (M = 16.42, SD = 0.60). Anticipated outcomes were changes in bystanders' attitudes, social influences, control perceptions, intentions, willingness, and intervention behavior, measured using mentees' self-reports at two time points approximately 1 year apart. Implementation processes were measured using mentors' self-reports. Analyses revealed no effects for any of the implementation variables across changes in any of the outcomes measured. These results highlight important implications for the implementation of the MVP program going forward, given its widespread implementation in the United Kingdom. Possible ways that MVP may be enhanced in future are discussed. For example, furthering understanding into how gender-based violence and bystander intervention are addressed and framed during MVP lessons would give more insight into how the current implementation of the program can be improved to maximize its potential benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon C. Hunter
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow,
UK
- University of Western Australia,
Crawley WA, Australia
- Simon C. Hunter, Glasgow Caledonian
University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alhumaid MM, Althikr Allah BA, Alhuwail AA, Alobaid MA, Abu Hamad NN, Alsalman ZA, Alqahtani SS, Alherz AM, Alwael WM, Alhelal AK, Alsubaie SA, Alwarthan MS, Alnaeem FO, Aleid SH, Almuhaisen SY, Alobaydullah AA, Alzamami AR, Alqadiri SA, Alsubhi SH, Alshikh AM, Almazrui KK, Alamer MA, Alfadhel AM, Al-Sari AR, Alqatari RS, Almaghrabi FA, Alfahaid SM, Alhashim JA, Alsalman HA, Almatar AA, Almutiri NM, Bastos T. Physical education teachers' attitudes toward inclusion of students with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1006461. [PMID: 36507010 PMCID: PMC9730338 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1006461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The attitudes of physical education (PE) teachers toward inclusion are critical to the successful provision of inclusive teaching for students with disabilities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Saudi Arabian PE teachers toward the inclusion of students with disabilities in PE classes and the effect of sociodemographic variables (e.g., gender and length of teaching experience) on their attitudes toward inclusion. A total of 1,314 PE teachers (M age = 41.09, SD = 9.40, females = 42.8%) completed the Arabic version of the Sentiments, Attitudes, and Concerns about Inclusive Education-Revised Scale (SACIE-R). Analyses found that, in general, PE teachers had moderately positive attitudes toward the inclusion of students with disabilities in PE lessons. A significant difference was found between the two genders in their attitudes toward inclusion. Specifically, female PE teachers demonstrated more positive attitudes toward inclusion than males. Multiple linear regression analysis, meanwhile, showed that the length of teaching experience and the experience of teaching a student with a disability were significant predictors of participants' attitudes toward inclusion. Our findings highlighted the importance of reconsidering the quality of PE teachers' experiences and interactions with students with disabilities as a means to improving their attitudes, which in turn would translate into successful inclusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Majed M. Alhumaid
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia,*Correspondence: Majed M. Alhumaid,
| | - Bashaer A. Althikr Allah
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer A. Alhuwail
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam A. Alobaid
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naflah N. Abu Hamad
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zainab A. Alsalman
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah S. Alqahtani
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayat M. Alherz
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walla M. Alwael
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aeshah K. Alhelal
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheikh A. Alsubaie
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam S. Alwarthan
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fay O. Alnaeem
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shamma H. Aleid
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Y. Almuhaisen
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atheer A. Alobaydullah
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ameera R. Alzamami
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shuaa A. Alqadiri
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shoug H. Alsubhi
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer M. Alshikh
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khulud K. Almazrui
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Madhawi A. Alamer
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afrah M. Alfadhel
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Areej R. Al-Sari
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reamah S. Alqatari
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatema A. Almaghrabi
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara M. Alfahaid
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jailan A. Alhashim
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hawra A. Alsalman
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amnah A. Almatar
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Najla M. Almutiri
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tânia Bastos
- Centre of Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hossain MA, Quaddus M, Warren M, Akter S, Pappas I. Are you a cyberbully on social media? Exploring the personality traits using a fuzzy-set configurational approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2022.102537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
8
|
Pagani S, Hunter SC, Elliott MA. Bystander intervention among secondary school pupils: Testing an augmented Prototype Willingness Model. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 61:1221-1244. [PMID: 35322436 PMCID: PMC9790461 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This study augmented the Prototype Willingness Model (PWM) to assess reactive and deliberative decision-making underpinning bystander intervention in gender-based violence contexts. There were 2079 participants (50% male, 49% female, and 1% unreported), aged 11-15 years old (M = 12.32, SD = 0.91), attending 19 secondary schools across Scotland. Participants self-reported the augmented PWM variables, then their intervention behaviour approximately 1 month later. Path analyses mostly supported the predicted relationships between positive and negative bidimensional attitudes, subjective norms, prototype perceptions, perceived behavioural control, and self-efficacy on intentions and willingness. Willingness predicted positive (speaking with a teacher) and negative (doing nothing) intervention in less serious violence. Self-efficacy predicted negative intervention in more serious violence. Subjective norms positively moderated the attitudes-intentions relationship. Overall, the results suggested that reactive (willingness) more so than deliberative (intention) decision-making account for intervention when young people witness gender-based violence. Additionally, the findings highlight the complexity of bystander intervention decision-making, where adding control perceptions, bidimensional attitudes, and moderators have independent contributions. Furthermore, self-comparison to the typical bystander who positively intervenes (prototype perceptions) was the strongest predictor of intentions and willingness, highlighting in a novel way the importance of image and group membership on decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon C. Hunter
- Glasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgowUK,University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dignath C, Rimm-Kaufman S, van Ewijk R, Kunter M. Teachers’ Beliefs About Inclusive Education and Insights on What Contributes to Those Beliefs: a Meta-analytical Study. EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10648-022-09695-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AbstractTeachers’ belief systems about the inclusion of students with special needs may explain gaps between policy and practice. We investigated three inter-related aspects of teachers’ belief systems: teachers’ cognitive appraisals (e.g., attitudes), emotional appraisal (e.g., feelings), and self-efficacy (e.g., agency to teach inclusive classrooms). To date, research in this field has produced contradictory findings, resulting in a sparse understanding of why teachers differ in their belief systems about inclusive education, and how teachers’ training experiences contribute to their development of professional beliefs. We used meta-analysis to describe the level and range of teachers’ beliefs about inclusive education, and examine factors that contribute to variation in teachers’ beliefs, namely (1) the point in teachers’ career (pre-service versus in-service), (2) training in special versus regular education, and (3) the effects of specific programs and interventions. We reviewed 102 papers (2000–2020) resulting in 191 effect sizes based on research with 40,898 teachers in 40 countries. On average, teachers’ cognitive appraisals, emotional appraisals, and efficacy about inclusion were found to be in the mid-range of scales, indicating room for growth. Self-efficacy beliefs were higher for preservice (M = 3.69) than for in-service teachers (M = 3.13). Teachers with special education training held more positive views about inclusion than regular education teachers (d = 0.41). Training and interventions related to improved cognitive appraisal (d = 0.63), emotional appraisal (d = 0.63), and self-efficacy toward inclusive practices (d = 0.93). The training was particularly effective in encouraging reflection of beliefs and, eventually, facilitating belief change when teachers gained practical experience in inclusive classrooms. Six key findings direct the next steps.
Collapse
|
10
|
McKinlay J, Wilson C, Hendry G, Ballantyne C. "It feels like sending your children into the lions' den" - A qualitative investigation into parental attitudes towards ASD inclusion, and the impact of mainstream education on their child. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 120:104128. [PMID: 34837755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing numbers of autistic children are being educated in mainstream schools. The success of inclusive education is dependent upon multiple factors, including key stakeholders (i.e., teachers and parents). Research has tended to focus on teachers' experiences of inclusion with limited focus on parents. AIMS The study aimed to qualitatively investigate parental attitudes and experiences of inclusive education. As such, the research question was: What are attitudes towards, and experiences of, inclusive education for parents of autistic children? METHODS AND PROCEDURE Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 parents of autistic children. Data was analysed using Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). OUTCOMES AND RESULTS four themes were identified; 1) Feeling Unheard; 2) Implementation of Inclusive Strategies; 3) Social Exclusion; 4) Mental Health and Wellbeing Impact. Findings suggested that parents felt their child struggled socially in mainstream school, with such experiences negatively impacting upon their child's wellbeing. The detrimental impacts were a result of parents believing school staff dismissed their concerns and thus appropriate strategies for their child were not always implemented. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This highlights the need for school staff and parents to work together to enhance inclusivity both academically and socially for autistic children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack McKinlay
- The University of the West of Scotland, School of Education and Social Sciences, UWS Paisley Campus, High Street, Paisley, Scotland, PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Claire Wilson
- University of Strathclyde, School of Education, LordHope Building, 141 St James Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G4 0LT, UK.
| | - Gillian Hendry
- The University of the West of Scotland, School of Education and Social Sciences, UWS Paisley Campus, High Street, Paisley, Scotland, PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Carrie Ballantyne
- The University of the West of Scotland, School of Education and Social Sciences, UWS Paisley Campus, High Street, Paisley, Scotland, PA1 2BE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Desombre C, Delaval M, Jury M. Influence of Social Support on Teachers' Attitudes Toward Inclusive Education. Front Psychol 2021; 12:736535. [PMID: 34659050 PMCID: PMC8514827 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.736535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inclusive education is at the heart of educational policy world-wide. Teachers' attitudes toward inclusive education, which are often associated with the success of the policy, have been studied extensively. Various factors related to teachers, students with special educational needs (SEN) and different specific contexts have been identified. In the current study, we explored the influence of social support on teachers' attitudes toward inclusive education. In a pilot study implying teachers, we replicated, in the French context, previous results showing a correlational link between social support and attitudes toward inclusion. Specifically, we showed that the more social support they perceived with regard to their attempts to include students with SEN, the more positive the teachers' attitudes toward inclusive education. In an experiment involving 314 teachers we then explored the causal link between these variables. Results showed that highlighting the support teachers receive improves their attitudes in comparison with highlighting a lack of support or a control condition in which support is not mentioned. These studies show the importance of supporting inclusive education in the schools. This support can be provided in different ways (emotional, informational, instrumental, etc.) and by different actors (colleagues, supervisors).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Desombre
- Univ. Lille, ULR 4072—PSITEC—Psychologie: Interactions, Temps, Emotions, Cognition, Lille, France
| | - Marine Delaval
- Univ. Lille, ULR 4072—PSITEC—Psychologie: Interactions, Temps, Emotions, Cognition, Lille, France
| | - Mickaël Jury
- Activité, Connaissance, Connaissance, Transmission, Éducation (ACTe), Universite Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
This study focused on associations between teachers’ flexibility and their use of evidence-based strategies in inclusive education in a sample of N = 119 teachers. Flexibility showed direct effects on teachers’ attitudes towards the achievement of mainstream students and students with learning difficulties, attitudes towards social benefits of inclusion for students with emotional and behavioral disturbances, and on teachers’ self-efficacy regarding the support of students’ social skills. Furthermore, indirect effects of flexibility on intentions and behavior regarding the support of social skills were found. The findings emphasize the importance of teachers’ flexibility in the realization of inclusive education.
Collapse
|
13
|
Chilean Teachers’ Attitudes towards Inclusive Education, Intention, and Self-Efficacy to Implement Inclusive Practices. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13042300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Teachers play an important role in the success of inclusive practices for diverse learners in regular classrooms. It is, therefore, important to examine their beliefs and preparation to teach in inclusive classrooms. The main purpose of this study was to analyze the attitude of active Chilean teachers (n = 569) towards inclusion, their self-efficacy regarding inclusive practices, and their intention to teach in inclusive classrooms. Our secondary objectives were to explore the relationship between their attitudes and self-efficacy and to determine the influence of demographic and professional variables on these two constructs. A positive and significant relationship between teachers’ attitude and self-efficacy was found. Teacher qualification was not significantly related to attitudes towards inclusion but was negatively associated with their self-efficacy beliefs concerning inclusive practices. Secondary education teachers reported lower teaching efficacy beliefs for inclusion than pre-school, primary, and special education teachers. The type of school emerged as a significant predictor of teachers’ attitude and self-efficacy beliefs. The implications of this research and need for additional teacher and in-service training to improve educators’ attitudes and self-efficacy are discussed.
Collapse
|
14
|
Maciver D, Tyagi V, Kramer JM, Richmond J, Todorova L, Romero-Ayuso D, Nakamura-Thomas H, van Hartingsveldt M, Johnston L, O'Hare A, Forsyth K. Development, psychometrics and feasibility of the School Participation Questionnaire: A teacher measure of participation related constructs. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 106:103766. [PMID: 32961517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report development of the SPQ (School Participation Questionnaire) a teacher-completed measure of participation related constructs for schools. The SPQ was developed to support participation-related assessment, interventions, and research in the inclusive school context. METHODS Several iterative steps were undertaken. An international panel of experts reviewed content validity. A 66-item pilot questionnaire was administered in schools. Mokken and Rasch model analysis were applied. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Analyses were conducted on associations with teacher and child demographic variables. Feedback was sourced from users. Participants were teachers of 101 children (5-12 years old) with a range of disabilities, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and learning difficulties. RESULTS Four participation-related dimensions of the SPQ were confirmed. Rasch person and item reliability were good, and 2-4 strata were confirmed per scale. Internal consistency was good (all scales, Cronbach α > 0.8). Mean administration time was 11.7 min. Mean SPQ scores were independent of teacher characteristics. A significant effect of school support level, eligibility for free school meals and gender was found. Through synthesising analytic results and feedback, a new 46-item tool was obtained. CONCLUSION The results of this study provide evidence of acceptability, practicality and validity. The SPQ is the first tool developed to assess participation related constructs in schools, and it contains novel information not given by other assessments. The SPQ may be used by practitioners and researchers to understand and improve the participation of children with a range of disabilities in schools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donald Maciver
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH21 6UU, UK.
| | - Vaibhav Tyagi
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH21 6UU, UK
| | - Jessica M Kramer
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, United States
| | - Janet Richmond
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Liliya Todorova
- Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Public Health and Health Care, University of Ruse, Ruse, Bulgaria
| | - Dulce Romero-Ayuso
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Hiromi Nakamura-Thomas
- Saitama Prefectural University, Graduate School of Health, Medicine and Welfare, Saitama, Japan
| | - Margo van Hartingsveldt
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health, School of Occupational Therapy, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lorna Johnston
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH21 6UU, UK; Additional Support for Learning Service, Communities and Families, City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Anne O'Hare
- Child Life and Health, SMC Research Centre, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Kirsty Forsyth
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland EH21 6UU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Opoku MP, Cuskelly M, Pedersen SJ, Rayner CS. Attitudes and self-efficacy as significant predictors of intention of secondary school teachers towards the implementation of inclusive education in Ghana. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY OF EDUCATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10212-020-00490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
16
|
Duque E, Gairal R, Molina S, Roca E. How the Psychology of Education Contributes to Research With a Social Impact on the Education of Students With Special Needs: The Case of Successful Educational Actions. Front Psychol 2020; 11:439. [PMID: 32231627 PMCID: PMC7082399 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
One current challenge in the psychology of education is identifying the teaching strategies and learning contexts that best contribute to the learning of all students, especially those whose individual characteristics make their learning process more difficult, as is the case for students with special needs. One main theory in the psychology of education is the sociocultural approach to learning, which highlights the key role of interaction in children's learning. In the case of students with disabilities, this interactive understanding of learning is aligned with a social model of disability, which looks beyond individual students' limitations or potentialities and focuses on contextual aspects that can enhance their learning experience and results. In recent years, the interactive view of learning based on this theory has led to the development of educational actions, such as interactive groups and dialogic literary gatherings, that have improved the learning results of diverse children, including those with disabilities. The aim of this paper is to analyze the social impact achieved by a line of research that has explored the benefits of such successful educational actions for the education of students with special needs. National and European research projects based on the communicative methodology of research have been conducted. This methodology entails drawing on egalitarian dialogue with the end-users of research - including teachers, students with and without disabilities, students' relatives and other community members - to allow an intersubjective creation of knowledge that enables a deeper and more accurate understanding of the studied reality and its transformative potential. This line of research first allowed the identification of the benefits of interactive learning environments for students with disabilities educated in mainstream schools; later, it allowed the spreading of these actions to a greater number of mainstream schools; and more recently, it made it possible to transfer these actions to special schools and use these actions to create shared learning spaces between mainstream and special schools. The improvement of the educational opportunities for a greater number and greater diversity of students with special needs evidences the social impact of research based on key contributions of the psychology of education.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Duque
- Department of Theory and History of Education, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Regina Gairal
- Department of Pedagogy, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Silvia Molina
- Department of Pedagogy, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Esther Roca
- Departament of Comparative Education and Education History, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Behavior Modification Maintenance with Long-Term Blood Glucose and Weight Management in Prader-Willi Syndrome Complicated with Diabetes: Team Management Approach Combined with Pharmacological Treatment. Case Rep Med 2019; 2019:6129019. [PMID: 31360171 PMCID: PMC6644266 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6129019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The patient was a 40-year-old woman, who had been diagnosed with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) at 1 year of age and type 2 diabetes at 27 years of age. At 34 years of age, she was hospitalized to start insulin therapy and receive guidance on treatment. During the next 6 months and through regular once-monthly outpatient clinic visits, the blood glucose level was relatively stabilized although body weight gradually increased. Two years following discharge, the blood glucose level became unstable, and she was hospitalized again to receive guidance on treatment. A team medicine-based approach was established upon hospitalization. The basic treatment was unchanged (insulin, diet, and exercise). The approach taken by the team included understanding the characteristics of PWS by all team members, clear definition of treatment goals, positive evaluation of the patient, and maintenance of the patient's motivation for treatment. Anxiety and stress related to mother's illness dampened motivation and adherence to treatment, but the addition of appropriate pharmacological treatment helped in rapid recovery of motivation to adhere to the treatment protocol. At 3 years after discharge, HbA1c is maintained at around 6%, and body weight continues to fall. Our protocol of the combination of a team medicine approach with appropriately timed pharmacological intervention could probably be applied to not only type 2 diabetes in PWS but also the management of patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
Collapse
|
18
|
Hennessy M, Bleakley A, Ellithorpe M. Prototypes reflect normative perceptions: implications for the development of reasoned action theory. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2017; 23:245-258. [PMID: 28612624 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2017.1339896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The reasoned action approach is one of the most successful behavioral theories in the history of social psychology. This study outlines the theoretical principles of reasoned action and considers when it is appropriate to augment it with a new variable. To demonstrate, we use survey data collected from a 4 to 17 year old U.S. adolescents to test how the 'prototype' variables fit into reasoned action approach. Through confirmatory factor analysis, we find that the prototype measures are normative pressure measures and when treated as a separate theoretical construct, prototype identity is not completely mediated by the proximal predictors of behavioral intention. We discuss the assumptions of the two theories and finally consider the distinction between augmenting a specific theory versus combining measures derived from different theoretical perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hennessy
- a Annenberg School for Communication , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Amy Bleakley
- a Annenberg School for Communication , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Morgan Ellithorpe
- b Department of Advertising and Public Relations , Michigan State University , East Lansing , MI , USA
| |
Collapse
|