ERIC Number: EJ842117
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0827-3383
EISSN: N/A
Enhancing the Preparation of Special Educators through Service Learning: Evidence from Two Preservice Courses
Novak, Jeanne; Murray, Mary; Scheuermann, Amy; Curran, Erin
International Journal of Special Education, v24 n1 p32-44 2009
A challenge for teacher educators in special education is to impact the beliefs and attitudes of preservice teachers in ways that cultivate or strengthen dispositions and inform practice. This study investigated the impact of service-learning experiences on the development of professional dispositions by undergraduate students in two preservice special education courses. A constant comparative analysis of student focus-group transcripts and reflective journal entries uncovered two convergent themes. First, students in both courses developed a sense of professional efficacy. Secondly, students developed positive regard for the abilities of students with disabilities and the contributions of parents as partners in their children's education. Recommendations are provided for designing service-learning experiences in ways that maximize the impact of the experiences on preservice teachers' perceptions and attitudes toward working with students with disabilities and their families.
Descriptors: Preservice Teachers, Education Courses, Disabilities, Service Learning, Special Education Teachers, Comparative Analysis, Teaching Methods, Student Teacher Attitudes, Consciousness Raising, Special Needs Students, Parent Teacher Cooperation, Parent Role, Supported Employment, Parent School Relationship, Partnerships in Education, Experiential Learning
International Journal of Special Education. 2889 Highbury Street, Vancouver, BC V6R 3T7, Canada. Web site: http://www.internationaljournalofspecialeducation.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A