Thinking about teaching: Exploring the experiences of pre-service teachers with disabilities on Professional School Placement

What is the research study about?

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of pre-service teachers with disabilities in the context of their Initial Teacher Education professional school placement. 

This study is funded under HEA PATH1, aimed at increasing the access and inclusion of under-represented groups in Higher Education Initial Teacher Education in Ireland. This research project aims to explore the experiences of pre-service teachers with disabilities in the context of their Initial Teacher Education Professional School Placement. It aims to identify the barriers and facilitators to successful professional school placement for those with disabilities while offering recommendations on the improvement of Initial Teacher Education programs and professional school placements in terms of promoting inclusivity and accessibility. 

For this study the term ‘disability’, as per the Disability Act 2005, represents enduring (i.e. continuing for a prolonged period) physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment. In addition, the term 'disabilities' includes those listed by DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) on the Access College website: https://accesscollege.ie/dare/providing-evidence-of-your-disability/.  This mixed-methods study will collate secondary data from existing research, in both the Irish and global contexts. Following this secondary research, primary data will be collected in the form of online surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The participants included in this research will be Initial Teacher Education pre-service teachers with disabilities who are currently engaging or had experience of a professional school placement, Disability Support Services staff, teacher educators, and School Placement school members of staff. 

Who is conducting the study?

For this mixed-methods study, as a requirement for PATH 1, we are operating under a collaborative approach, establishing partnerships between Higher Education Institutions (University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College, and Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest). The partnership team aims to give voice to Initial Teacher Education pre-service teachers with disabilities, teacher educators, Disability Support Services staff, and School Placement school staff about their experiences in the context of professional school placement for students with disabilities. 

Research Team Biographies

Who are the researchers?

What will the study involve?

This mixed methods multi-dimensional research study aims to capture the experiences of Initial Teacher Education pre-service teachers with disabilities in the context of a Professional school placement. Our study is approved by the EHS research ethics committee in the University of Limerick. 

What does mixed methods mean?

Mixed methods research means our study will employ a range of research tools, including online surveys, online interviews, face-to-face interviews, and focus groups.

What does multi-dimensional mean?

Multi-dimensional means that the study will capture the experiences and views of different voices including Initial Teacher Education pre-service teachers with disabilities in the context of professional school placement, teacher educators, DSS staff, and School Placement school staff. This multi-dimensional approach aims to capture a broad range of experiences and views from as wide an array of participants as possible. 

How will we sample the participants?  

The participants will be sampled through purposive sampling.

Purposive sampling, or selective sampling, is a non-probability sampling technique used in research where participants are selected based on specific characteristics relevant to the study. In our study, Initial Teacher Education pre-service teachers with disabilities, are currently engaging or engaged in a Professional School Placement. Other participants include Disability Support Services staff, Initial Teacher Education teacher educators, and School Placement school staff that engage with pre-service teachers with disabilities on a Professional School Placement.

Who should I contact if I have questions about the study?

If you have any questions about the project management, you can email PATH 1 Programme Manager: nicola.moses@mic.ul.ie  

If you have any questions about the research study, you can email: keelin.leahy@ul.ie