ERIC Number: EJ1159802
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-3116
EISSN: N/A
Inclusion in Early Childhood Education: A Zimbabwean Perspective
Majoko, Tawanda
International Journal of Inclusive Education, v21 n12 p1210-1227 2017
The current study examined Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers' understanding, attitudes and demographic influences regarding inclusion in ECE. Embedded within inclusive pedagogical philosophy, the present descriptive study draws on a sample of 21 ECE teachers purposively selected from ECE settings in Mashonaland West educational province of Zimbabwe. A constant comparative approach of data organisation with continual adjustment was utilised throughout the analysis. The study found that participants understood and held strong and positive attitudes towards inclusion. Training and experience in special needs education, womanhood, interaction with people with disabilities, adulthood and conceptualisation of inclusion were also established to positively influence teachers' attitudes towards the philosophy. Infusion of theory and practice of special needs education and co-opting teachers' concerns and sociocultural issues in teacher preparation and development could optimise inclusion in ECE. This study could serve as a springboard for future studies on professional teacher education for inclusion in ECE.
Descriptors: Inclusion, Early Childhood Education, Teacher Education, Preschool Teachers, Foreign Countries, Educational Philosophy, Grounded Theory, Positive Attitudes, Special Needs Students, Teacher Attitudes, Females, Disabilities, Sociocultural Patterns, Theory Practice Relationship, Interviews, Qualitative Research
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Zimbabwe
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A