British Journal of Special Education最新文献

The research investigated the obstacles faced by undergraduates with visual impairments while studying at a Nigerian university striving to establish an inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities. The aim was to generate empirical evidence that can inform policies at the university and other similar institutions. The research is anchored in Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, and a qualitative descriptive research design was employed. Using purposive sampling, 11 (male = 7; female = 4) undergraduate students living with blindness were recruited. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and subjected to inductive data analysis. It was found that students encounter various challenges, emanating from peers, lecturers, the university and their families. The results demonstrate how different contexts influence the learning outcomes of students with visual impairments, warranting more comprehensive intervention programmes.

This study aimed to identify the professional structure required by teachers working in primary schools for deaf students in Japan. Ten university teachers training in education for deaf students at Japanese universities participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using the KJ method of qualitative analysis based on similarity, with 409 codes, 12 categories and 99 sub-categories extracted. The results were aggregated into teaching skills and knowledge and collaborative skills categories, clarifying the specific structure of expertise required for teachers of deaf students. Teaching skills and knowledge have already been integrated into teacher training programmes; however, curriculum development for collaborative skills is required. The results of this study suggest that teachers need to acquire a wide range of professional skills to educate children with hearing impairment. We recommend improving social mechanisms for training these teachers in the future.

This study explored the social barriers facing students with sensory impairment in Tanzanian higher learning institutions across different settings. Twenty-seven students were involved in semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and open-ended questionnaires. Students with sensory impairment reported that across the different settings, other people view them as incapable and as a socio-economic burden. They also revealed that they were viewed as beggars. Their perceptions of these negative views resulted in their social isolation, and difficulties in forming and maintaining friendships. The study recommends setting up awareness-creation campaigns aimed at demonstrating the capabilities of disabled people in Tanzania. In addition, the law governing the employment of disabled people in Tanzania should be enforced accordingly to increase their employment opportunities in different sectors.

This study explores the perceived effectiveness of an open educational reading programme for primary school pupils with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) such as dyslexia. The programme, implemented by experienced teaching assistants (TAs), encompassed multiple aspects of reading, including phonics, sight word reading, reading fluency, vocabulary development and comprehension strategies, addressing the diverse needs of students with SpLD. Past observational studies have shown a disconnect between recommended reading practices and actual teaching approaches, often leading to a neglect of crucial skills like vocabulary, reading fluency and reading comprehension instruction for this student population. The current study aimed to bridge this research-to-practice gap, involving educators in programme development to ensure its effectiveness and practicality. Findings from interviews with five TAs indicate a strong need for comprehensive programmes that integrate various reading skills. The open educational reading programme received positive feedback from TAs, highlighting its role in engaging students and supporting active participation. This research underscores the significance of translating scientific insights into practical, transformative educational resources, emphasising the critical role of public engagement in advancing reading education. Additionally, this study emphasises the imperative of developing educator-oriented programmes that are research-based and easily accessible, thereby enhancing the practical application of scientific knowledge.

People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) face discriminatory behaviours based on their condition, a consequence of prevailing negative attitudes in society. The main goal of this study was to adapt and validate the Societal Attitudes Towards Autism scale (SATA) for the Portuguese population. Additionally, we intended to examine possible factors that may influence current attitudes towards ASD. Participants were 377 adults from the general Portuguese population, with an average age of 38.55 years. The sample was collected online using self-reported questionnaires. Starting from the original factorial structure, four SATA models were tested. The final model showed adequate fit. This unifactorial model comprised 12 items, with two correlated error pairs. The internal consistency of the total scale was acceptable (α = 0.79), and the convergent validity was confirmed by significant correlations between the SATA and compassion, and empathy. Findings suggested temporal stability was adequate. Women aged 31 to 45 years, with more knowledge of and contact with ASD, and with an autistic family member, showed more positive attitudes towards ASD. The SATA seems to be a valid and reliable scale to measure the attitudes of the Portuguese population towards ASD.

The study focused on comparing the prevalence and type of psychosomatic symptoms in Czech students aged 14 to 19 years (N = 459) without and with specific learning disabilities (SpLDs), as well as their tendencies towards selected coping strategies. No statistically significant differences were found in the prevalence and type of psychosomatic symptoms between students without SpLDs (n = 366) and those with SpLDs (N = 93). The most common psychosomatic symptoms reported by both groups under stress were abdominal pain (61%; N = 459), extreme fatigue (60%; N = 459), tremor (56%; N = 459) and headache (53%; N = 459), with the frequency of occurrence ranging from sometimes to very often. There were no differences observed in the use of negative and positive coping strategies during stressful situations, except for alcohol use, which was more prevalent among students without SpLDs (p = 0.024). Correlations were found between anxiety, withdrawal and crying, and the six most frequent psychosomatic symptoms. Furthermore, students with SpLDs more frequently reported attempting to eliminate the cause of the problem (80%; N = 93) and searching for different solutions (80%; N = 93). Therefore, the study's findings suggest that SpLDs do not present a higher risk for increased psychosomatic symptoms or a preference for negative coping strategies.

Joint attention is an important developmental skill. This series of studies investigated the teaching of component joint attention skills to 10 children with autism ranging in age from three to five years. The goal was to teach gaze shifting within a joint attention interaction. An additional goal was to expand some participants' community of reinforcers to include social reinforcers. Each study employed a single-case research design using design variations for one dependent variable: gaze shifting. All 10 children improved their ability to shift their gaze to a therapist. Four participants demonstrated acquisition of social reinforcers.

Enrolment of postsecondary students with disabilities continues to increase, yet completion rates of postsecondary students with disabilities are much lower than those of their non-disabled peers. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the perceptions of postsecondary students with disabilities, solely within the USA, regarding factors they believe are influential in completing their postsecondary programme. Specifically, the study will focus on student-related factors as identified within the literature. A total of 19 studies were identified after meeting the inclusionary criteria for review. The results of the review identified the student's kindergarten (K) to grade 12 (K-12) transition services, the student's knowledge of their disability and related postsecondary disability services, the student's ability to self-advocate, the student's self-determination and the student's support system as student-related factors that influence their ability to successfully complete a postsecondary programme. According to the literature, these student-related factors are heavily impacted by the social interactions of their past and present instructors, peers, support systems, legislators and chosen postsecondary institution. Therefore, Critical Disability Theory was chosen as the lens for analysis to examine how students with disabilities, a marginalised group, continue to face obstacles within postsecondary environments. Postsecondary students with disabilities are more apt to be successful in completing their programme if the identified student factors are present. It is important for K-12 support systems, family support systems and postsecondary institution support systems to recognise that the identified factors are important for successful programme completion by students with disabilities. Implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed.