Visually Impaired Mentally Sighted: An Inclusive Education Case


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Bavlı B., Korumaz M., Akar E.

International Journal of Progressive Education, cilt.16, sa.6, ss.1-14, 2020 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

This research was carried out as part of an Erasmus + project called “Visually Impaired Mentally Sighted” targeting to improve the conditions and materials used in the educational environment and to develop personal and professional skills of the school staff. This qualitative study employed descriptive case study design. The study involved 16 participants in total including visually impaired students, teachers and the principal from the high school which is the coordinator institution of the project. The researchers conducted two semi-structured focus group interviews with the participant teachers, one focus group interview with participant students and a face-to-face interview with the school principal. The data were analysed according to content analysis. The researchers created four themes as follows; ‘consciousness’, ‘professional development’, ‘teaching materials’ and ‘motivation’. That means students in this case study increased their motivation at school. Also, teachers realized that there is a key area for their professional development. At the same time, the importance of using inclusive educational materials that enable disabled students to access education became apparent.