Changing student teachers' attitudes towards disability and inclusion

Campbell, Jennifer and Gilmore, Linda A. and Cuskelly, Monica (2003) Changing student teachers' attitudes towards disability and inclusion. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 28(4). pp. 369-379.

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DOI : 10.1080/13668250310001616407

Abstract

A total of 274 preservice teacher education students were surveyed at the beginning and end of a one-semester unit on Human Development and Education which combined formal instruction with structured fieldwork experiences. The latter included interviewing community members regarding their knowledge of Down syndrome and opinions on inclusive education, and writing an associated report. At the end of semester, not only had student teachers acquired more accurate knowledge of Down syndrome, together with more positive attitudes towards the inclusive education of children with Down syndrome, but their attitudes towards disability in general had also changed, and they reported greater ease when interacting with people with disabilities. The study illustrated the value of combining information-based instruction with structured fieldwork experiences in changing attitudes towards disability and inclusion. It also demonstrated that raising awareness of one disability may lead to changes in attitudes towards disability in general.

ID Code:	4305
Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords :	down syndrome, inclusive education, preservice teacher education, student teacher attitudes
ISSN:	1469-9532
Divisions:	QUT Faculties and Divisions > Faculty of Education
Copyright Owner :	Copyright 2003 Taylor & Francis
Copyright Statement :	First published in Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability 28(4):pp. 369-379.
Deposited On:	01 Jun 2006
Last Modified:	23 Jan 2009 03:34

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