Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of Students with Learning Disabilities: Using Mixed Methods to Examine Effectiveness of Special Education Coursework

Authors

Renée A. Greenfield, University of HartfordFollow
Megan Mackey, University of St. JosephFollow
Gretchen Nelson, West Hartford Public SchoolsFollow

Abstract

As the number of K-12 students with learning disabilities educated in general education classrooms grow, it is essential to examine the preparation and perceptions of pre-service teachers (N=15) who will educate students with learning disabilities. Within the context of an undergraduate learning disabilities method course, this study examined how pre-service teachers perceived students with learning disabilities as well as the effectiveness of particular course experiences, including fieldwork with students with learning disabilities, video vignettes, lesson planning, assigned reading, and center-based instruction, in shifting perceptions. Using a convergent, mixed method design, teacher educators at a university in the northeast used surveys, journals, and focus groups to examine pre-service teachers’ perceptions over time. Both quantitative and qualitative data indicate perceptions shifted positively in response to the methods course. Reflections and suggestions for other teacher educators are offered.

Keywords

Teacher Education, Learning Disabilities, Perceptions, Pre-Service Teachers, Special Education

Author Bio(s)

Renée A. Greenfield, PhD, is assistant professor of special education at the University of Hartford. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: Renée A. Greenfield at, rgreenfie@hartford.edu.

Megan Mackey, EdD, is assistant professor of special education at the University of St. Joseph. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: Megan Mackey at, mlmackey@usj.edu.

Gretchen Nelson, EdD, is assistant principal at William H. Hall High School, West Hartford, CT. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: Gretchen Nelson at, gretchen_nelson@whps.org.

Acknowledgements

We would like acknowledge the participants in this study and welcome them into the profession.

Publication Date

2-22-2016

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2147

Recommended APA Citation

Greenfield, R. A., Mackey, M., & Nelson, G. (2016). Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of Students with Learning Disabilities: Using Mixed Methods to Examine Effectiveness of Special Education Coursework. The Qualitative Report, 21(2), 330-351. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2147