일반 중학교에서의 장애인식개선교육과 통합교육의 효과와 개선 사항- 비장애 중학생 대상 포커스 그룹 면담을 중심으로 -

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze and explore the effect of the education of recognition and inclusive through the exposure of general education middle school students to people with disabilities. Eight general education middle school students participated in a year long program in which they played wheelchair basketball with professional basketball players who had physical disabilities. After the program was over, the students were interviewed in a focus group to determine whether their attitude toward people with disabilities had been affected by their experience and their opinion, attitude about inclusive education in their middle school from two years ago or not. The results were as follows. First, the students reported that participating in the wheelchair basketball program had no effect on their attitudes toward those with disabilities. However, the students did report that they increased their understanding of the existence of diversity in the community by being exposed to people with physical disabilities. As part of the focus group session, the students were also asked about other aspects of their educational experience with classmates with disabilities. The students reported that they liked being in classes with others with disabilities. They felt accepting of their classmates with disabilities as well as of the teachers who came in the classroom to assist them. Further, the students reported that the school’s Good Friends Program had a positive effect on their classmates with developmental delays. In addition, the students commented that the school’s one hour a year lecture about disabilities had no impact on their attitudes. As a result of this study, researchers conclude that changes in educational programs are needed in order to more effectively impact students’ attitudes toward and understanding of those with disabilities. Middle schools must implement programs that effectively educate students about the characteristics of disabilities, the legal rights of those with disabilities, and the need for acceptance of them. Additionally, a study of the attitudes of general education middle school teachers toward inclusion of students with disabilities is needed in order to successfully develop and implement disability awareness programs.