ERIC Number: EJ1179678
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 36
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1710-2146
EISSN: N/A
Teaching Practice Experiences in Inclusive Classrooms: The Voices of University of Botswana Special Education Student Teachers
Mangope, Boitumelo; Otukile-Mongwaketse, Mpho; Dinama, Baamphatlha; Kuyini, Ahmed Bawa
International Journal of Whole Schooling, v14 n1 p57-92 2018
Teaching practice (TP) remains one critical means of exposing student teachers to actual classroom experiences with a view to equip them with the needed pedagogical skills. The voice of the student teachers is vital in order to understand their experiences in the field as a way to ensure better outcomes for current and future teacher trainees. Using a qualitative research methodology, this study explored the TP experiences of student teachers enrolled in the Special Education program at the University of Botswana. Individual and focus groups interviews were conducted with third and fourth year student teachers on TP in inclusive classrooms. The data were analysed using content analysis. The findings indicated that teaching learners with special educational needs (SENs) was challenging for the student teachers. They (participants) expressed both positive and negative experiences of teaching practice relating to knowledge and skills, mentor relationship and how TP is organised. A key recommendation is that teacher trainers should ensure that student teachers being prepared for entry into the teaching profession are exposed to positive inclusive experiences and equipped with relevant pedagogical skills around inclusive education as they progress through the special education program.
Descriptors: Inclusion, Classroom Techniques, Special Education, Preservice Teachers, Teaching Experience, Qualitative Research, Focus Groups, Special Needs Students, Field Experience Programs, Student Experience, Beliefs, Attitude Change, Teaching Skills, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Relevance (Education), Class Size, Mentors, Foreign Countries, Practicums, Observation, Phenomenology, Student Attitudes, Content Analysis, Semi Structured Interviews
Whole Schooling Consortium. Available from: Concordia University College of Alberta. 7128 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton, AB T5B 4E4, Canada. e-mail: wholeschooling@twmi.rr.com; Web site: http://www.wholeschooling.net
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Botswana
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A