Mathematics Teachers' Attitudes towards Inclusive Education in Türkiye

Year 2024, Volume: 19 Issue: 43, 2468 - 2491, 30.09.2024

Bahaddin Demirdiş

https://doi.org/10.35675/befdergi.1468104

Abstract

The success of inclusive practices in educational settings significantly depends on teachers' attitudes. This study addresses the attitudes of mathematics teachers toward inclusive education in Turkish lower secondary schools, filling a gap in existing literature. It examines the determinants shaping these attitudes, providing insights for tailored interventions to support mathematics teachers in promoting inclusivity. Through questionnaire data collected from 262 mathematics instructors, the study reveals a slightly negative overall attitude trend, influenced by factors such as age, prior experience with children, training in inclusive education, and personal connections. Younger teachers, those with experience teaching students with SEN, and those with inclusive education training exhibit more favourable attitudes. Surprisingly, having a family member with SEN also significantly impacts attitudes, highlighting the importance of personal connections. These results underline the need for targeted interventions and professional development to foster inclusive mindsets among mathematics teachers, thereby creating equitable learning environments for all students.

Keywords

Attitudes, Inclusive education, mathematics teacher

Ethical Statement

The study obtained ethical approval from the Ethics Committee of the Institute of Education, UCL (Reference No: Z6364106).

Türkiye'deki Matematik Öğretmenlerinin Kaynaştırma Eğitimine Yönelik Tutumları

Abstract

Eğitim ortamlarında kaynaştırma uygulamalarının etkinliği, öğretmenlerin tutumlarıyla yakından ilişkilidir. Bu çalışma, Türk ortaokullarındaki matematik öğretmenlerinin kaynaştırma eğitimine yönelik tutumlarını incelemektedir. Matematik öğretmenlerinin tutumlarını belirleyen faktörlere odaklanarak, bu öğretmenlerin kaynaştırmayı destekleme konusunda nasıl özel müdahalelerle yönlendirilebileceği hakkında bilgi sağlar. Çalışma, 262 matematik öğretmeninden toplanan anket verilerine dayanarak, genel olarak hafif negatif bir tutum eğilimi tespit etmiştir. Yaş, önceki özel eğitim deneyimi, kaynaştırma eğitimi alma ve kişisel ilişkiler gibi faktörlerin bu tutumları etkilediği görülmüştür. Genç öğretmenler, özel eğitim ihtiyacı olan öğrencilerle deneyimli olanlar ve kaynaştırma eğitimi almış olanlar daha olumlu tutumlar sergilemektedir. Ayrıca, özel eğitim ihtiyacı olan bir aile üyesine sahip olmanın da tutumlar üzerinde önemli bir etkisi olduğu, bu kişisel ilişkilerin önemini vurgulamaktadır. Bu bulgular, matematik öğretmenlerinin kaynaştırıcı düşünce tarzlarını teşvik etmek için hedefe yönelik müdahalelerin ve mesleki gelişim çalışmalarının önemini ortaya koymaktadır. Böylece, tüm öğrenciler için adil öğrenme ortamları oluşturulabilir.

Keywords

Kaynaştırma eğitimi, Tutumlar, matematik öğretmenleri

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