PERCEPTIONS OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS TOWARDS INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN

Sharif Ullah; Irfan Ullah; Asia .

Sharif Ullah Special Education Department (SED), The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan
Irfan Ullah Special Education Department (SED), The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan
Asia . Special Education Department (SED), The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan

Keywords: Inclusive Education, Attitudes, Perceptions, Learners, Disabilities, KP, Pakistan

Abstract

To include individuals with special needs in settings wherein all students are learning and enjoying equitable opportunities for the acquisition of learning outcomes. To study this phenomenon, the investigator started exploring the challenges and opportunities to develop quality of the program. In line with this connection, current study, entitled “The perception of students enrolled in a special education program towards inclusive education was investigated. Objectives of the study are: To examine the attitudes of students enrolled in special education degree programs towards inclusive education; To assess the willingness and acceptance levels of students in special education degree programs regarding inclusive education. Two null hypotheses were developed to proceed with the study further. The participants were students from B.Ed. (1.5Y) Special Education degree program of Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, learning through the distance learning. The sample comprised 22 students, 11 males and 11 females as participated in current research study. The sample was collected using convenience sampling. The responses were recoded using a 15-item measuring tool. Responses from all 22 students were recorded and then analyzed by the percentage and chi-square statistics. The results showed that most of participants had a positive response to inclusive education. All the results were significant based on the interpretation of the chi-square analysis.