What's in a Word? How Preservice Teachers Understand Inclusion Across Contexts

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Division K Section 3 Poster 1

Abstract

What is inclusion? Preservice teachers (PSTs) are taught about inclusion and expected to do inclusion, but what does this term mean to them? We asked PSTs to create drawings of inclusion to get a glimpse into their world views, beliefs, and perspectives toward inclusion. Then we compared these to how PSTs approached inclusion in different contexts such as creating an individualized education plan, lesson planning, and practicum placements. We used the concept of figured worlds to map the characters, actions, relationships, and values PSTs used to convey inclusion. We share findings of the consistencies and disconnects of how PSTs approached inclusion across various contexts.

Authors

• Chris Ostrowdun, Mount Royal University

• Man-Wai Chu, University of Calgary

• Miwa Takeuchi, University of Calgary

• Jennifer Lock