Related Data for Thesis/Dissertation: "Working at it": The perceptions of general education and resource teachers on supporting students with hearing loss in the mainstream classrooms in Singapore

This study examined the perspectives of general education and resource teachers regarding the educational inclusion of students with hearing loss. The study sample consisted of 14 teachers (7 general education and 7 resource teachers) who were purposively selected from a resourced secondary school in Singapore. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all teachers and data collected were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The results outlined several inclusive practices implemented in mainstream classrooms. Findings from this study also revealed an overall positive attitude towards teaching students with hearing loss in the general education classroom. Facilitators that helped in the process of inclusion were also highlighted. They include positive attitudes and beliefs towards inclusion, support from resource teachers and training opportunities for school personnel. Study participants also perceived the presence of gaps that still need to be worked on if inclusive education programmes are to be more successful. Gaps in capacity building of school personnel, communication approaches as well as academic expectations of students with hearing loss were some highlighted areas that mainstream schools may need to consider in looking ahead. Implications for practice and future research were discussed.