Expectation vs Reality: Teacher’s Experiences of Educating Children with Autism while Relying on their Teacher Training Practices

Barrett, Lauren (2023) Expectation vs Reality: Teacher’s Experiences of Educating Children with Autism while Relying on their Teacher Training Practices. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Broadly, the data surrounding educating children with Autism is rich with guides and techniques for parents and teachers, but lacks in information surrounding teacher’s opinions on being responsible for the education of children with ASD when compared to their teacher training. The current study aims to explore primary school educator’s experiences and opinions on teaching children with ASD in comparison to training they received, including parental and collegial influences, the need for additional learning, and the role experience in the classroom plays. The objective of this study is to yield and analyse themes from data collected qualitatively. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted using open-ended questions, with opportunity share onions and experiences. Through the means of thematic analysis, four themes were extracted from the data; (i) Thrown into the Deep End, (ii) Taking Matters into our Own Hands, (iii) We’re All in this Together and (iv) Experience Trumps what the Books Say. The results of this study show unanimity in agreement that provisions to the current curriculum for teacher training needs to be made, and training needs to be continued through CPD. This was seen consistently throughout. Recommendations for policy changes and revisions to current teacher training curriculums were made.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email Kracen, Amanda UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1501 Primary Education L Education > LC Special aspects / Types of education > Education for the Learning Disabled L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > Teaching Personnel > Primary School Teachers
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	31 May 2023 14:52
Last Modified:	31 May 2023 14:52
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/6686

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