ERIC Number: ED656168
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
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Affirming Inclusive Education at University: A Case of Two Sub-Sahara African Universities
Lorna M. Dreyer; Annaly M. Strauss
Bulgarian Comparative Education Society, Paper presented at the Annual International Conference of the Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES) (22nd, Sofia, Bulgaria, Jun 2024)
This research aimed to investigate the experiences of students with learning disabilities (LD) at two universities in Sub-Sahara Africa. While universities are increasingly addressing the needs of students with sensory and physical disabilities, there is less emphasis on LD which does not present physically, thus often referred to as invisible or hidden disabilities. The research was, conducted as qualitative case studies, guided by Vygotsky's social cultural theory (SCT). A basic qualitative research methodology, embedded in an interpretive paradigm was used. Data was collected through an online background survey and semi-structured interviews. Thematic qualitative content analysis was used to analyse collected data systematically. From a social justice perspective, the major findings suggest that there are several factors that impede on equal education for students with LD at university. The research outcomes revealed that the hidden nature of LD becomes apparent as participants must self-declare their needs. They further experienced a lack of acknowledgement and support from lecturers. Most participants revert to valuing the support of family and friends more than that of lecturers. While both universities have policies and structures of support for students with LD, it is concluded that university lecturers need to adopt an inclusive pedagogical stance by acknowledging the factors that affect the learning of students with LD. Recommendations from the findings include the need for professional development for lecturers and increased awareness of learning support services on campus. It is further concluded that university lecturers need to be reflective of their pedagogical practices to transform higher education learning spaces in pursuit of authentic inclusion. [For the complete Volume 22 proceedings, see ED656158.]
Descriptors: Inclusion, Universities, Students with Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Sociocultural Patterns, Social Justice, Equal Education, Self Disclosure (Individuals), Student Characteristics, Student Attitudes, Special Needs Students, Educational Policy, College Faculty, Teacher Student Relationship, College Students, Faculty Development, Academic Support Services, Foreign Countries
Bulgarian Comparative Education Society. Blvd Shipchenski prohod 69 A, 1574 Sofia, Bulgaria. e-mail: info@bces-conference.org; Web site: http://www.bces-conference.org
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
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Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa; Namibia
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