Dissertation (MA Education)
The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude and practice of primary school teachers towards children with disabilities being in inclusive classrooms in Tanzanian schools. The objectives of these was to find out primary school teachers` attitudes towards children with disabilities being in inclusive classes; to find out teachers ways of working in inclusive classes and to identify the way teachers treat children with disabilities in inclusive classes.
A case study design was employed in this study with qualitative research approach with a total of 84 respondents. The data collection instruments used included interview, observation and focus group discussion. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis method. The study revealed that most of the teachers had negative attitudes towards children with disabilities being in inclusive classes. But a few of them were found to be positive with the students. The teachers’ attitudes depended on whether they had or not attained training in special needs education.
Based on the study findings, the study recommended that regular teachers who are teaching in inclusive classrooms should be given special training to help them understand how to handle children with disabilities. Again, education authorities need to organize seminars or in service training to enhance the teacher’s knowledge and expertise. The training needs to be conducted by specialist teachers around the schools. The government ought to facilitate the training.