Developing teachers’ competency for inclusive education in Ethiopia

Background: In light of the increasing diversity within school populations globally, a pressing need arises for nations to prioritise the enhancement of teachers’ competencies in implementing inclusive education, recognising the central role teacher education programmes play in addressing this imper...

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Main Authors: Aschalew T. Kebede, Tlakale N. Phasha
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AOSIS 2024-12-01
Series:African Journal of Disability
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ajod.org/index.php/ajod/article/view/1383
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author Aschalew T. Kebede
Tlakale N. Phasha
author_facet Aschalew T. Kebede
Tlakale N. Phasha
author_sort Aschalew T. Kebede
collection DOAJ
description Background: In light of the increasing diversity within school populations globally, a pressing need arises for nations to prioritise the enhancement of teachers’ competencies in implementing inclusive education, recognising the central role teacher education programmes play in addressing this imperative. Teacher education programmes centred on inclusion not only respond to this global priority but also wield influence on teachers’ attitudes, self-efficacy and stress levels when engaging with diverse learners. Objectives: The study presents an analysis of the effectiveness of a teacher education programme in Ethiopia in developing teachers’ competencies for inclusion. Method: Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design, involving 159 teachers, data were collected through questionnaires (n = 152) and individual interviews (n = 7). Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. This approach ensures a nuanced examination of the research question with precision and depth. Results: Findings highlight challenges in the Ethiopian teacher education system, revealing a significant lack of provision of sufficient knowledge to empower teachers to understand inclusion. The inadequacy extends to the influence on teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion, as well as the insufficient exposure to practical, hands-on experiences essential for addressing diverse learning needs. Conclusion: The challenges faced by teacher training in Ethiopia, evident in its struggle to align with global standards for supporting teachers in implementing inclusive education, necessitate urgent and substantial reforms. Contribution: Addressing the gaps in understanding inclusion, fostering positive attitudes and enhancing practical experiences necessitating a comprehensive overhaul of teacher education curricula and practices.
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spelling doaj-art-58fcc263e2874ee5824416942f4ab25b2025-01-14T12:05:19ZengAOSISAfrican Journal of Disability2223-91702226-72202024-12-01130e1e1110.4102/ajod.v13i0.1383434Developing teachers’ competency for inclusive education in EthiopiaAschalew T. Kebede0Tlakale N. Phasha1Centre of Excellence in Disabilities, Faculty of Education, University of South Africa, PretoriaCentre of Excellence in Disabilities, Faculty of Education, University of South Africa, PretoriaBackground: In light of the increasing diversity within school populations globally, a pressing need arises for nations to prioritise the enhancement of teachers’ competencies in implementing inclusive education, recognising the central role teacher education programmes play in addressing this imperative. Teacher education programmes centred on inclusion not only respond to this global priority but also wield influence on teachers’ attitudes, self-efficacy and stress levels when engaging with diverse learners. Objectives: The study presents an analysis of the effectiveness of a teacher education programme in Ethiopia in developing teachers’ competencies for inclusion. Method: Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design, involving 159 teachers, data were collected through questionnaires (n = 152) and individual interviews (n = 7). Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. This approach ensures a nuanced examination of the research question with precision and depth. Results: Findings highlight challenges in the Ethiopian teacher education system, revealing a significant lack of provision of sufficient knowledge to empower teachers to understand inclusion. The inadequacy extends to the influence on teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion, as well as the insufficient exposure to practical, hands-on experiences essential for addressing diverse learning needs. Conclusion: The challenges faced by teacher training in Ethiopia, evident in its struggle to align with global standards for supporting teachers in implementing inclusive education, necessitate urgent and substantial reforms. Contribution: Addressing the gaps in understanding inclusion, fostering positive attitudes and enhancing practical experiences necessitating a comprehensive overhaul of teacher education curricula and practices.https://ajod.org/index.php/ajod/article/view/1383mixed methodinclusive pedagogyteacher traininginclusioninclusive educationcompetencyethiopia
spellingShingle Aschalew T. Kebede
Tlakale N. Phasha
Developing teachers’ competency for inclusive education in Ethiopia
African Journal of Disability
mixed method
inclusive pedagogy
teacher training
inclusion
inclusive education
competency
ethiopia
title Developing teachers’ competency for inclusive education in Ethiopia
title_full Developing teachers’ competency for inclusive education in Ethiopia
title_fullStr Developing teachers’ competency for inclusive education in Ethiopia
title_full_unstemmed Developing teachers’ competency for inclusive education in Ethiopia
title_short Developing teachers’ competency for inclusive education in Ethiopia
title_sort developing teachers competency for inclusive education in ethiopia
topic mixed method
inclusive pedagogy
teacher training
inclusion
inclusive education
competency
ethiopia
url https://ajod.org/index.php/ajod/article/view/1383
work_keys_str_mv AT aschalewtkebede developingteacherscompetencyforinclusiveeducationinethiopia
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