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Teachers' perceptions of inclusive mainstream education

Martin, Jessica (2020) Teachers' perceptions of inclusive mainstream education. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The focus of this research was to examine whether children with special educational needs benefit from inclusion in mainstream education. The three aims of this study were to examine teachers’ perspectives of inclusive mainstream education, how inclusive education affects the social development of students with SEN and how children with SEN develop academically in the mainstream classroom. The data was collected through semi-structed interviews of five female qualified secondary school teachers. Using thematic qualitative measures, interviews and were transcribed, coded and analysed according to the six-phase data approach (Braun & Clark, 2006). This study generated four main themes (Differentiation, Similar needs, Teachers’ views, Social development and Academic development). These themes reflected the research aims. Themes indicated that the students with special educational needs do not develop academically in par with their peers. Socially, students with SEN are accepted by their peers. However, they do not have reciprocal friendships. Students with SEN mainly have friendships with other students with similar needs. Teachers perspectives of inclusive education was mainly negative as they saw it as, “good in theory but not in practice”. Teachers felt they did not have adequate facilities or support to maintain inclusive education to an adequate standard. Future studies should use a Longitudinal design which would create a deeper capacity to examine the academic and social development of individuals with SEN over a longer period and allow for a more thorough investigation of the impact of inclusive education on students with SEN.

Item Type: Thesis (Undergraduate)
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology
L Education > L Education (General)
L Education > LC Special aspects / Types of education
Divisions: School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User: Mr Kevin Loughran
Date Deposited: 27 May 2021 12:28
Last Modified: 27 May 2021 12:28
URI: https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/4863

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