Principals' and teachers' attitudes and knowledge of inclusive education as predictors of effective teaching practices in Ghana

Title
Principals' and teachers' attitudes and knowledge of inclusive education as predictors of effective teaching practices in Ghana
Publication Date
2006
Author(s)
Kuyini-Abubakar, Ahmed
Desai, Ishwar
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
IFE Centre for Psychological Studies (ICPS)
Place of publication
Nigeria
UNE publication id
une:6843
Abstract
Surveys were carried out in Ghana into principals' and teachers' attitudes toward and knowledge of inclusive education. Data provided information on the influence of principals' and teachers' background variables on attitudes toward and knowledge of inclusive education. The sample of 128 educators (20 principals and 108 teachers) was drawn from 20 primary schools in two districts. Employing t-tests and Multiple Regression Analyses, the results showed that principals and teachers held relatively positive attitudes toward the inclusion of students with disabilities into regular classrooms, but had limited knowledge of inclusive education. Though background variables such as training, experience working with students with disabilities and class-size were found to be related to principal's and teacher's attitudes and knowledge of inclusive education, the background variables that were most predictive of their attitudes and knowledge were the presence of students with disabilities in the classroom and training in special education/inclusion. Implications for inclusion in Ghana and other countries with similar socio-cultural and educational systems are discussed.
Link
Citation
IFE PsychologIA, 14(2), p. 225-244
ISSN
1117-1421
Start page
225
End page
244

Files:

NameSizeformatDescriptionLink