How cultural histories shape South African and Finnish teachers' attitudes towards inclusive education: a comparative analysis

作者：Engelbrecht Petra^*; Savolainen Hannu; Nel Mirna; Malinen Olli Pekka

来源：European Journal of Special Needs Education, 2013, 28(3): 305-318.

DOI：10.1080/08856257.2013.777529

• cultural forces
• historical forces
• cultural-historical framework
• inclusion
• inclusive education
• teacher education
• attitudes
• human rights

Complex cultural and historical forces are often neglected when the development of inclusive education in international comparative research projects are discussed. The purpose of this study was to analyse teachers' attitudes towards inclusive education by examining the ways in which cultural-historical factors in South Africa and Finland may impact on teachers' attitudes. Data collection methods included the analysis of education policy documents and other relevant documents in countries, an open-ended question on teachers' own definition of inclusive education and the results of the initial study on teachers' attitudes to and concerns about inclusive education. A sample of 310 South African and 833 Finnish primary and secondary education teachers in mainstream and special education settings took part. An analysis of the data within a cultural-historical framework indicated that each country's historical commitment to inclusive education and its attendant legacies about diversity in education have clearly mediated teachers' views in both countries. As a result, we have been able to develop a deeper understanding of the complex local conditions, and the similarities and differences across national contexts in which inclusive education is implemented that could benefit both countries.

• 出版日期2013
• 单位西北大学