Attitudes of pre-service teachers towards inclusive education for all in India

Abstract

This study sought to determine the attitudes of pre-service teachers towards inclusive education for all students in regular classrooms. Teachers’ attitude towards inclusive education scale was administered through an online survey using Google form. A total of 217 pre-service teachers (male 72, female 135) enrolled in a 2-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programme at Gujarat State Universities in India had completed and responded to the survey. The study results showed that participants had a positive attitude towards inclusive education. Pre-service teachers had the most positive attitudes to supporting learning needs of diverse students in an inclusive classroom. Only two variables, the highest level of education and level of training in inclusive education were found to relate significantly to pre-service teachers attitudes towards inclusive education. There was no significant difference in pre-service teachers’ attitudes towards inclusive education with regards to their gender, age, previous teaching experience and perceived level of knowledge regarding inclusion policies and legislations. The study findings have possible implications for policy makers and stakeholders involved in teachers’ training in India and other countries in the South Asian region