ERIC Number: EJ1283997
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1555-6913
EISSN: N/A
Inclusive Education in Armenia: Experience of Teachers Reveals Need for Occupational Therapy
Harutyunyan, Marianna; Sadlo, Gaynor
Journal of the International Association of Special Education, v19 n1 p27-36 2019
In this study, researchers sought to understand elementary school teachers' attitudes and needs while working in inclusive classes. Understanding teachers' needs is relevant to occupational therapists, who have the potential to work collaboratively with them within inclusive practice settings. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 elementary school teachers with more than 5 years working experience in inclusive schools in Armenia. Thematic analysis was used to explore the data. The findings suggest that teachers were enthusiastic to create equal opportunities for children with special needs. They discussed the need for societal attitudes to change. Teachers were very much aware of their professional gaps, needs, and mentioned the importance of skilled professionals in inclusive schools. They valued inclusion and the rebuilding of physical and social environments to foster the engagement and participation of children with special needs. The teachers expressed ideas shared by occupational therapists, such as the desire to enhance the personal and environmental conditions for each child with special needs in inclusive schools.
Descriptors: Inclusion, Teacher Attitudes, Experienced Teachers, Elementary School Teachers, Students with Disabilities, Children, Educational Needs, Expertise, Occupational Therapy, Related Services (Special Education), Educational Attitudes, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Equal Education, Physical Environment, Social Environment, Accessibility (for Disabled), Foreign Countries
International Association of Special Education. c/o College of Education, Northern Arizona University, P.O. Box 5774, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5774. Tel: 928-523-8979; Fax: 928-523-1929; Web site: https://www.iase.org/journal
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Armenia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A