Effect of Included Experience Program on the Attitudes of Pre-Service Teachers towards Students with Special Needs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an included experience as well as professional development programme on the attitudes of pre-service teachers toward students with special needs. The intervention programme was given in 7 weeks to the pre-service teachers. The sample consisted of 42 pre-service teachers studying in bachelor degree programme of special education. Results provided evidence that after completing an included experience and receiving professional development programme, pre-service teachers had positive attitudes towards students with special needs.  The overall findings suggest that the included experience programme had significant effects on changing the attitudes of pre-service teachers towards students with special needs with special reference to all the aspects i.e academic, cognitive, emotional and social development.

Key words: Included Experience, Pre-service Teachers, Students with Special Needs