Document Type
Article
Source of Publication
Cogent Education
Publication Date
6-26-2024
Abstract
This study investigates Emirati universities’ general education program effectiveness in preparing pre-service teachers for inclusive education. It assesses pre-service teachers’ readiness to teach students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) after studying two academic subjects in inclusive education and undertaking three practicums. Pre-service teachers’ beliefs, knowledge, and experiences in applying inclusion were explored. Mixed quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to conduct this study. Data for the study were gathered through an online survey, which was developed by the author after gaining feedback from four experts in the field. To validate the results of the survey, semi-structured interviews were conducted with some research participants who completed the survey. The study involved 53 female pre-service teachers specializing in early childhood education, predominantly in their fourth year or internship, all having completed two inclusive education courses. Recruitment was conducted through WhatsApp internship groups and email. The study was conducted at a federal university in the UAE with two campuses. This university was selected because of its strong commitment to inclusive practices for students compared to other universities in the UAE. The results show a positive impact on beliefs but dissatisfaction with inclusion knowledge. The program lacked real classroom-inclusive training, affecting readiness. Based on the findings, we recommend four-year education with diverse inclusive topics and ample teaching practice to improve pre-service teacher preparation.
DOI Link
ISSN
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Volume
11
Issue
1
Disciplines
Education
Keywords
Adult Education, Emirati universities, Higher Education, Inclusion and Special Educational Needs, inclusive education, Marnie Best, University of South Australia, Australia, Pre-service teachers, preparation, students with special educational needs and disabilities, Teachers &, Teacher Education
Scopus ID
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Alhammadi, Muna Mohamed, "Assessing the efficiency of teacher education program in Emirati university for preparing pre-service teachers for inclusive education" (2024). All Works. 6663.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/6663
Indexed in Scopus
yes
Open Access
yes
Open Access Type
Gold: This publication is openly available in an open access journal/series