Preparing Music Teachers for Inclusive Education in Lithuania

• In Event: Changing Preservice Teachers' Perspectives of Diverse Learners

Abstract

Contemporary notions of inclusive education consider the abilities of all learners, not only those with disabilities. However, many teachers feel unprepared to teach diverse populations and express discomfort and even resistance. Changing the attitudes of pre-service and in-service teachers is a challenge, since many tend to teach the way they were taught. Researchers have found that field experiences offer optimal opportunities to change the preconceived notions of student teachers regarding inclusive education for all. This research study examines the experiences of pre-service student teachers and their school-based mentors regarding preparation to teach diverse populations in general music classrooms. The inquiry takes place in Lithuania, which is dealing with the postcolonial, post-Soviet legacy of insularity and exclusion regarding “otherness.”

Authors

• Ruta Girdzijauskiene, Klaipeda University

• Emilija Sakadolskis, Vytautas Magnus University