Teachers’ Perceptions of Training Module for Accommodating Students with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders Learning Life Skills Online
Date
2024-12-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The current study piloted a training module designed to help teachers accommodate students with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders learning life skills online. The goal of the study was to examine the effectiveness of the model through an investigation of teachers' perceptions of the training module. The effectiveness of the training module was evaluated through semi-structured interviews. Data was collected from thirteen participants, including general and special education teachers at the elementary and high school levels in a few Western provinces of Canada. The findings suggest that both groups of teachers positively viewed universal design for learning (UDL). Secondly, the findings suggest that both groups of teachers were familiar with in-person UDL and/or accommodations. Thirdly, both sets of teachers believe that the challenges faced by students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) were exacerbated by online learning. Additionally, both sets of teachers’ perceptions of the training module were positive. Lastly, both sets of teachers would have liked to see a greater emphasis on relationship-building in the training module. These findings provide insight into teachers' perceptions of the training module which can help improve the current training module and guide the development of future training modules. These findings can contribute to the development of an effective evidence-based teacher decision-making model which may promote the use of appropriate accommodations. Appropriate accommodations may contribute to the development of adequate life skills which may improve overall life satisfaction for students with disabilities (Aryes et al., 2013; Bouck, 2010).
Description
Keywords
Accommodations, Teacher Training, Professional Development, Students with Disabilities, Online Learning, Life Skills
Citation
Degree
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Department
Educational Psychology and Special Education
Program
School and Counselling Psychology