Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia

27-30 September 1999

Learning to Teach in Inclusive Classrooms

Dr Chris Forlin

Prof. Petra Engelbrecht

Dr Annemaree Carroll

Dr Anne Jobling

Dr Tania Aspland

Faculty of Education, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia

Abstract

Abstract: The movement towards including children with disabilities in regular classrooms, as opposed to segregating them in special schools, has led to the need to reconsider the appropriateness of current preservice courses for teachers. This paper reports the findings of a three year longitudinal study undertaken in three Queensland and 17 South African universities to investigate the interactions of preservice teachers (N=2375) with people with disabilities. Discussion focuses on the effect of undertaking units of work about educating children with special needs in regular classrooms on preservice teacher's attitudes. Consideration is also given to modifications that have been made to the courses at these universities in order to better meet the training needs of preservice teachers.

(Paper 45 minutes)

Theme: Ways of Learning: Learning to Teach: new directions in teacher training