O'Toole, Catriona and Burke, Niamh (2013) Ready, willing and able? Attitudes and concerns in relation to inclusion amongst a cohort of Irish pre-service teachers. European Journal of Special Needs Education. ISSN 0885-6257

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Abstract

Attitudes in relation to inclusive education have a direct impact on teaching behaviours, and are a significant factor in the success of inclusion policies. However, little is known about Irish pre-service teachers’ attitudes and concerns in relation to inclusive education, nor about the factors that may influence these variables. In the current study, a cohort of second-level pre-service teachers completed the attitudes toward inclusive education scale, the concerns about inclusive education scale, the teacher efficacy scale and a school climate (SC) survey. Results showed that the student–teachers were generally positive about inclusion, and were only a little concerned about the implementation of inclusive practices in their classrooms. The participants were least positive about including students with behavioural difficulties. A more positive SC was associated with higher levels of personal efficacy, and lower levels of concern. Results are discussed in terms of the construal of behavioural difficulties within Ireland, the influence of the placement school and the implications for initial teacher education.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	attitudes and concerns; inclusion; efficacy; school climate; initial teacher education;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Education
Item ID:	5659
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2013.768451
Depositing User:	Catriona O'Toole
Date Deposited:	09 Jan 2015 14:44
Journal or Publication Title:	European Journal of Special Needs Education
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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