Search results

AbstractThis study examined how students with orthopedic impairments experienced strategies identified in the literature to support 'inclusion'. An interpretative phenomenological analysis research approach was used, and six students with orthopedic impairments (age 10–14 years) served as participants. Data sources were written prompts, semi-structured, audiotaped interviews, and reflective interview notes. Based on thematic data analysis, four themes were constructed: "It's kind of embarrassing": experiences with support; "I don't want to be different": equipment, activity, and rule modifications; "I like to be a part of the conversation": autonomy and choice in PE; and "I would rather be like the other students": discussing disability. The experiences portrayed through these themes highlighted the differential effects of these explicated strategies, where each strategy contributed to feelings of inclusion, as well as marginalization among participants. As such, the findings indicated that 'inclusive' strategies should not be considered as blanket recommendations; instead, attempts to promote 'inclusion' of students with disabilities should start with a reflexive look at the unique needs of each individual student.

This study examined how individuals who experienced physical education in both integrated and residential school settings viewed their physical education experiences. A retrospective interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) was used, and five adults with visual impairments (aged 20–35 years; three males, two females) were enrolled in this study. Data collection included semi-structured telephone interviews and reflective interview notes, which were analyzed thematically using a three-step process. Two interrelated themes emerged from the data. In the first theme – feelings about being included and excluded – participants described that across school settings, inclusivity and exclusivity were central to how they understood their physical education experiences. The second theme – support needs met at residential schools – described how perceived teacher support and feelings of relatedness with peers were identified as important factors related to their willingness to explore the environment and engage in physical education curricula.

While virtual technology for training in the simulation field has a long history in medicine, aviation, and the military, the application of similar emerging and innovative technologies in teacher preparation and education has been limited. TLE TeachLive™ (Teaching Learning Environment, Teaching in a Virtual Environment) [TLE] is an inventive mixed-reality environment (the blending of real and synthetic content) where prospective teachers can interact with a group of virtual students. The purpose of the virtual teaching environment of TLE is to strengthen teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention in education by allowing teachers to improve their skills with virtual students, providing a more constructive and ethical approach to learning the art of teaching. The protected environment allows pre-service teachers to utilize their emergent knowledge of behavior, diversity, and effective instruction in a flexible and safe practice environment. In this simulated environment, permission does not have to be gained to work with actual children and they are not exposed to missteps on the part of novice teachers as the teachers learn to refine their instructional techniques. This study investigated pre-service teachers' use of differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior, a set of behavior management strategies, in a simulated classroom. Results indicated that the majority of participants evidenced an increase in the use of these strategies to enhance student engagement in the classroom.