An Investigation into Teachers’ Views on the Supports Required to Facilitate the Inclusion of Children with Chronic Illness in Irish Mainstream Schools
Citation:
Fiona McDonald, 'An Investigation into Teachers’ Views on the Supports Required to Facilitate the Inclusion of Children with Chronic Illness in Irish Mainstream Schools'Download Item:
Fiona McDonald Dissertation.pdf (Published (author's copy) - Peer Reviewed) 497.0Kb
Abstract:
In a school setting, teachers are a major source of support for their pupils. Therefore, it is crucial
teachers feel prepared with the appropriate resources to support their pupils. Advances in the
medical field allow many children with chronic illnesses to integrate into mainstream primary
schools and participate in classroom activities alongside their peers. Inclusive education is
essential to effectively overcome diverse realities in primary school classrooms. Children
living with chronic illnesses are one group of children who may need to overcome such
diversities throughout their schooling journey. It is imperative that teachers are professionally
prepared and supported to promote inclusive, positive educational experiences for these
children. The research question that drove this research study was ‘What are teachers’ views
on the supports required to facilitate the inclusion of children with chronic illness in Irish
mainstream schools?’.
The research design used was a qualitative method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted
with 10 primary school teachers currently teaching in Ireland and each with experience in
educating a chronically ill child. This research identified the deficit of education and training
surrounding chronic illness evidently places an increased level of anxiety and apprehension on
teachers, suggesting teachers are being placed in a position in Irish mainstream classrooms
where they feel underprepared or incompetent in their role, potentially contributing to
undesirable consequences for both chronically ill students and their teachers.
Recommendations from the study include teacher education, the availability of accurate
information and standardised documentation.
Author: McDonald, Fiona
Advisor:
Ní Dhuinn, MeadhbhQualification name:
Professional Master of EducationCollections:
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