engleski

Parents' perspectives of the tolerance concept

Since one of the major difficulties in achieving inclusive education for students with disabilities are attitudes and values of those around them, there is a strong need for intervention programs that aim at social mechanisms of prejudice and stigmatization. Our project task included parents, children and teachers in order to support educational inclusion in the Republic of Croatia. The aim of this qualitative study, which is a part of the project, was to gain an insight of parental concept of tolerance in mainstream schools. Participants were mothers or fathers of regular primary school students, N=8. Five of them were parents of typical students, while three were parents of children with disabilities. During the three months period of intervention program with students their parents were participating in focus groups in which the approach was based on Gestalt therapy. Data were obtained through qualitative analysis of audio recordings and observations. Results showed that parents were well acquainted with general concept of tolerance, but the way in which they practiced tolerance, leaves the space for intervention. This research is a good foundation for providing additional motivation for all mainstreamed schools to work with parents as well, in order to develop an inclusive school.

inclusuve education ; students with disabilities ; parents ; tolerance concept

rad se može nači u wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/jir