Examining the Impact of Interaction Project with Students with Special Needs on Development of Positive Attitude and Awareness of General Education Teachers towards Inclusion

The purpose of this study was to introduce a project developed to promote interaction of teacher candidates from different areas with individuals with special needs within the scope of a Special Education course and examine the impact of this project on developing positive attitude and awareness on teacher candidates. In this study, a mixed research design that combines qualitative and quantitative research designs was utilized. Content analysis was conducted to analyze qualitative data obtained from the reports of teacher candidates submitted at the end of the project. In addition, descriptive statistical analysis was utilized to analyze quantitative data derived from the answers of teacher candidates regarding Course and Instructor Evaluation Form. Content analysis results indicated that in the beginning of the project, teacher candidates possessed negative thoughts towards students with special needs such as the state of startling, undesirability and complex emotions. At the end of the project, teacher candidates expressed that their point of view towards students with special needs changed in positive way, this change positively reflected to their behaviors, and they realized the importance of special education. Furthermore, teacher candidates stated their satisfaction about the project with expressions such as enjoying a learning experience, realizing the difference between theory and practice, and enjoying with participating in the project. According to descriptive statistical analysis, the vast majority of teacher candidates stated that the information presented in Special Education course attracted their attention, they learned a lot of new information and were happy to participate in the project. In addition, they stated their satisfaction with teaching methods and techniques of the course instructor.