So many studies on integrated education have already been done that the need for integrated education requires no further mention and special classes have been implemented in the field of education under the name of integrated education. But what is t...
So many studies on integrated education have already been done that the need for integrated education requires no further mention and special classes have been implemented in the field of education under the name of integrated education. But what is the current state of integrated education? Disabled students and other students are together in the same integrated classroom, but it is hard to believe that true integrated education actually occur in these class rooms. Disabled students cannot receive instruction meeting their educational needs while they are integrated with the other students in the class. On top of that, the classes cannot fulfill the educational needs of each individual student.
How can each student receive a class fitting his individual need? The purpose of the study is to find an answer to this question while investigating the question of integrated education in postmodern education.
In this study, integrated classroom teachers, work in General elementary, middle, and high schools where special education classes have been implemented. The conceptual nature of the integration of special education teachers, the educational environment, effectiveness of integrated education, and administrative support for integrated education were investigated and analyzed and the differences in their recognition of these things were evaluated.
The methods used in this study were a preliminary investigation and a reliability analysis on the basis of a questionnaire based on the study of Seong-aeh Kim (2010). 180 questionnaires were distributed targeting integrated classroom teachers and special education teachers in elementary, middle and high school in Gimhae-si, Changwon-si in Gyeongsangnam-do, and differences were investigated after collecting 138 questionnaires.
The results obtained in this study are as follows:
First, the level of recognition of the conceptual nature of integrated education, as illuminated in the postmodern education of integrated classroom teachers and special education teachers was seen to be higher for special education teachers than for integrated classroom teachers overall. Even though the levels for the integrated classroom teachers were relatively low, the levels of both groups were positive. The formation of concepts about the interest in and understanding of integrated education, as illuminated in postmodern education was considered to be complete. Now, commitment to integrated education, school restructuring and a variety of substantially necessary supports are required.
Second, the level of recognition of the needs of educational environments for integrated education was seen to be higher for special education teachers than for integrated classroom teachers. Even though the levels for the integrated classroom teachers were relatively low, the levels of both groups were positive. This means that the need for the integrated education in the educational environment is demanded in the actual field of schools. Schools should be equipped with the necessary facilities and equipment required for integrated education. In addition, the professional cooperation of teachers and collaboration between therapists and integrated education teachers are interpreted as being necessary. It is expected that studies on integrated education planning with teachers in the field as well as with a variety of experts in addition to the subject of efficient configuration of the educational environment should be continued.
Third, the level of recognition of the effects of integrated education was seen to be higher for special education teachers than for integrated classroom teachers. Even though the levels for the integrated classroom teachers were relatively low, the levels of both groups were positive. This is interpreted to mean that the main content of the effectiveness of integrated education has a variety of effects of acceptance of diversity, positive relationships, the expansion of consciousness, the ability to adapt, etc. Furthermore, these effects apply to disabled children, as well as to all students.
Fourth, the level of recognition of the necessity administrative support for integrated education was seen to be higher for special education teachers than for integrated classroom teachers. All the other sub-items except for dormitory support of special education-related services were low, but the levels of both groups were positive. This is interpreted to mean that administrative support is required in schools. In addition, teachers need to be trained, and new teaching/learning methods and the ability for teachers to adjust teaching materials are necessary. Therefore, not only practical training for integrated education, but also the systematic preparation of institutions for training teachers is needed for these points. Furthermore, the need for professional advice and special education-related services are also high. Professional advice should be obtained by working together with integrated education-related professionals in schools.
All the rest of the sub-sections except for dormitory support of special education-related services are required. As a result, measures should be considered to provide services that effectively meet the needs of each student receiving the integrated education. Moreover, it is necessary to strive to ensure the institutional and legal basis of the integrated education by recognizing the necessity for complementary legal basis for integrated education as in general education and special education.