language English
Article 2025 · 1 atıf

Empathy beyond the classroom: transforming trainee teachers through direct interaction with adults with intellectual disabilities

Atbasi, Zehra, Hazir, Oguzhan

Özet

This study explores the profound impact of direct interactions between adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and trainee teachers on the latter's professional development. With a phenomenological approach, a structured interview was conducted with 30 trainees about their experiences, and observation sessions were conducted during eight sessions in which adults with ID took on the role of teachers. They shared their personal experiences, difficulties, and how they tackle them with trainees. Hence, three themes were identified: increased empathy and understanding, improved communication skills, and promoting employment. It was concluded that by interacting directly, the trainees' social, emotional, and cognitive levels increased positively, and empathy skills improved. This study suggests designing school placements to address a wider audience instead of conducting school placements only with primary school children. Thus, it offers a paradigm shift in creating an inclusive society in which inclusive education moves out of school and emphasises diversity.

Anahtar Kelimeler
Teacher education adult with intellectual disabilities trainee teachers experiential learning theory empathy theory PREPARING TEACHERS STUDENTS EDUCATION
WoS Kategorileri
Education, Special Rehabilitation
Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları
Künye
Dergi
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Yıl
2025
Cilt
71
Sayı
8
Sayfa
1268-1278
ISSN
2047-3869
eISSN
2047-3877
DOI
10.1080/20473869.2025.2462922
WoS UID
WOS:001416123500001
Yayını aç (DOI)