Predictors of improved teaching efficacy following basic training for inclusion in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study examined teaching efficacy for inclusive practice in a pre-post matched-sample of 737 teachers in Hong Kong taking a basic university-level course in inclusive education. The results demonstrate that regardless of demographic variables such a course is effective in improving teacher efficacy for inclusive practice, with female teachers making larger gains in the area of managing behaviour when compared to their male counterparts. Further, increased knowledge of legislation and policy, and a reduction in concerns about inclusive teaching were found to be the major predictors of improved teaching efficacy for inclusive practice.

Keywords:

• inclusive education
• special education
• special education needs
• education policy
• educational leadership

Notes on contributors

Chris Forlin is an Adjunct Professor at the Hong Kong Institute of Education where she has worked for the past 10 years leading special and inclusive education across the Asia Pacific region. She has wide experience in teacher education for inclusion working with governments and systems and has presented and published extensively in this area.

Dr Umesh Sharma is Senior Lecturer and Course Co-ordinator of Inclusive and Special Education programmes in the Faculty of Education at Monash University, Australia. He has worked in the capacity of adviser to university academics and policy-makers in countries such as India, China, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia. His major area of research is leadership for inclusive education, disability in developing countries, attitude and teacher efficacy measurement.

Tim Loreman is Dean of Research and Faculty Development and Professor of Education at Concordia University College of Alberta, Canada. His research interests address topics of school inclusion, pre-service teacher education, childhood, and pedagogy. He has held major Canadian and international research grants, regularly publishes books, book chapters, and journal articles, and presents at major international and national conferences.