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Dissertation
Elementary Teachers’ Experiences Teaching Students With Learning Disabilities In The Mid-South
University of West Florida Libraries
Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida
2024
Abstract
Framed by the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), this descriptive phenomenological study described the experiences of general education teachers in inclusive classrooms and teacher preparedness to teach students with learning disabilities. The SCT allowed studying the behavioral, cognitive, and social aspects that helped comprehend teachers' experiences teaching students with learning disabilities in general education classrooms. Thirteen female and two male participants (N = 15), all general education teachers, volunteered to complete a demographic survey, interview protocol, and a member-checking exercise. The findings suggested that teachers needed additional support to ensure equitable educational opportunities for students with learning disabilities. Integrating students with learning disabilities in inclusive settings has the potential to overcome disability limitations, but many general education teachers lack adequate preparation to teach effectively. Inclusion-related coursework, fieldwork, and increased experiences with students with learning disabilities during teacher preparation programs would enhance teachers' self-efficacy and improve academic outcomes for students with learning disabilities. I recommend professional development and mentorship programs to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to teach in inclusive classrooms. Teacher self-efficacy significantly influences performance, classroom environment, and student achievement, while a lack thereof may lead to frustrations and negative impacts on students. Future research should explore strategies to improve teacher preparation programs and professional development and investigate the effects of mentorship programs and specialized training on teacher confidence and efficacy.
Details
- Title
- Elementary Teachers’ Experiences Teaching Students With Learning Disabilities In The Mid-South
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Contributors
- Mark Malisa (Advisor)Paula Greathouse (Committee Member)
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 272
- Copyright
- Unpublished work © Christina Lynn Kammerer
- Identifiers
- 99380551397206600
- Academic Unit
- School of Education
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Doctor of Education (EDD)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida