Pre-service Teachers' Attitude towards the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate pre-service teachers' attitudes towards the inclusion of students with disabilities. To conduct the study a descriptive survey research method was used.

The study was conducted in Mekelle University, Ethiopia. In the selection process of the research participants, a convenience sampling method was followed. The data were collected from 143 (92 males and 51 females) pre-service/Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching science and non-science teacher candidates. To collect the data for the study, a survey questionnaire was employed. Hence, the data were fully quantitative. Data gathered were analyzed under different themes using a descriptive approach.

The findings of the study showed that though the pre-service teachers have relatively good understanding of students' with disabilities right to education and inclusion, the importance of for students with disabilities, and school roles for inclusion, negative and divided attitudes were found on including students with disabilities in their future classrooms.