Comparison of Brunei Preservice Student Teachers’ Attitudes to Inclusive Education and Specific Disabilities: Implications for Teacher Education

ABSTRACT The authors investigated and compared Brunei trainee teachers’ attitudes to specific disabilities and students with high support needs. The random sample consisted of 89 participants of both genders on 2 teacher education programs. Data were collected using a 3-part self-report instrument constructed by the researchers. Overall, the participants supported inclusion but were not in favor of accommodating students with sensory, mental, challenging behaviors, and multiple disabilities. Such students tend to have high support needs. Moreover, there were no significant differences in attitudes to inclusion and specific disabilities between the genders and types of programs. Future teacher training programs should develop and foster more positive attitudes toward the integration of students with less favorable disabilities and high support needs.

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