ERIC Number: EJ843609
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0827-3383
EISSN: N/A
Pre-Service Teachers' Attitudes, Concerns and Sentiments about Inclusive Education: An International Comparison of Novice Pre-Service Teachers
Sharma, Umesh; Forlin, Chris; Loreman, Tim; Earle, Chris
International Journal of Special Education, v21 n2 p80-93 2006
This study investigates the nature of concerns and attitudes held by pre-service teachers regarding inclusive education and their degree of comfort on interaction with people with disabilities. Pre-service training may be the optimal time to address educators' concerns and alter any negative attitudes about inclusive education. This paper reports the perceptions of pre-service teachers prior to their involvement in units of work focusing specifically on inclusive education in universities located in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Results indicate significant differences exist between the students in the eastern countries of Singapore and Hong Kong, and those in the western countries of Canada and Australia. Participants in the Western countries tended to have more positive sentiments and attitudes towards students with disabilities, and more concerns than their Eastern counterparts. The study also suggests that in most instances pre-service teachers have more positive attitudes towards people with disabilities and inclusion, and more confidence in implementing inclusive practice when they have had additional training and/or experience with people with disabilities. (Contains 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Inclusive Schools, Negative Attitudes, Disabilities, Foreign Countries, Student Attitudes, Preservice Teachers, Universities, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Educational Practices, Statistical Analysis, Interpersonal Relationship, Measures (Individuals), Questionnaires
International Journal of Special Education. 2889 Highbury Street, Vancouver, BC V6R 3T7, Canada. Web site: http://www.internationaljournalofspecialeducation.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia; Canada; Hong Kong; Singapore
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A