Japanese and Finnish teachers’ perceptions and self‐efficacy in inclusive education

Meta-analysis of the relationship between teachers’ self-efficacy and attitudes toward inclusive education

Abstract This meta-study aims to examine the size of the relationship between teachers' self-efficacy and attitudes toward inclusive education of K-12 students with special educational needs and to identify potential moderators (publication, sample, and research procedure characteristics). We synthesized the research conducted from 1994 to 2018, and 41 studies were included. Bare-bones meta-analysis with random effect model revealed a sample size weighted correlation coefficient between teachers’ self-efficacy and attitudes as r ¯  = 0.35 (CI = 0.31-0.39). The between-study variations were not associated with hypothesized publication and sample characteristics. However, the self-efficacy me…

Teachers' attitudes and self-efficacy on implementing inclusive education in Japan and Finland: A comparative study using multi-group structural equation modelling

Abstract This study aims to explore relationships between teachers' attitudes, self-efficacy, and background variables regarding inclusive education by using a sample of 359 Japanese and 872 Finnish teachers. A multi-group structural equation modelling was conducted to find similarities and differences in how the background variables predict teachers' attitudes and self-efficacy. Experience in teaching students with disabilities had a positive effect on teachers' attitudes and self-efficacy in both countries. However, teachers' teaching career and the amount of inclusive education training affected them differently in Japan and Finland. The findings could be used to improve inclusive educat…

Pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy in implementing inclusive practices and resilience in Finland

Abstract This study aims to explore Finnish pre-service teachers' self-efficacy in implementing inclusive education and their resilience. Survey data were collected from 105 pre-service teachers studying in a teacher education programme in one university in Finland. The relationships between pre-service teachers' self-efficacy in implementing inclusive practices, their perceived resilience, and background variables were examined using structural equation modelling. The results confirmed a three-factor structure for self-efficacy in implementing inclusive practices among the pre-service teachers. In addition, pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy was the strongest variable that related to thei…

フィンランドの段階的支援としてのプロコウルプロジェクトの展開と実践 [The Deployment and Practice of Three Tier Support System 'Prokoulu' for Children with Special Educational Needs in Finland]

The purpose of this paper is to overview Prokoulu project in Finland that has been introduced to overcome severe school conditions. We scrutinized lecture materials about Prokoulu written by a principal related Iiterature and results of a visit survey. The data revealed that Prokoulu is a three-tier support system that enhances children's behavior by "positive feedback". Before implementing the project for children, teachers are required to change the relationships among colleagues positively in order to become models for children. Teachers, children and parents share fundamental values, and write up desirable behavior The set of goal behavior is clearly indicated to children in positive fo…

A comparative study on Saudi and Japanese in-service teachers’ attitudes towards inclusive education and self-efficacy in inclusive practices

Although providing equal educational opportunity for all children is the common goal for inclusive education around the world, the way of implementation is influenced by cultural, historical, and socioeconomic factors of each country. This study aims to compare Saudi and Japanese teachers’ attitudes and self-efficacy in inclusive education. Data were collected from 185 Saudi and 359 Japanese in-service teachers using a survey. Quantitative analysis revealed that there was no difference between Saudi and Japanese teachers’ attitudes towards including students with disabilities. The Japanese teachers’ overall self-efficacy was lower than that of the Saudi teachers, but this result was discuss…

フィンランドのネウボラの視察から見えたわが国の利用者支援事業の課題 －ケースの視察及び利用者インタビューから－ [Issues Related to Japan's User Support Project for Children and Childcare Support System Discovered by Visiting Neuvola in Finland]

The aim of this article is to introduce Neuvola, a childrearing support service in Finland, and to discuss issues related to Japanʼs User Support Project for Children and Childcare Support System. The authors visited and sat in on Neuvola sessions for three clients, and they conducted interviews with a client between October 4 and 8, 2015. Clients and Neuvola nurses were relaxed, and clients initiated the topics discussed during the visit. There was rapport between clients and Neuvola nurses, and clients seemed to be at ease in receiving the service. During the interviews, the client mentioned that she was able to talk about sensitive issues because the nurses would help the family to move …

Teachers' self-efficacy and the sources of efficacy: A cross-cultural investigation in Japan and Finland

The study explores the extent and sources of Teachers’ Self-Efficacy (TSE) for inclusive practices among 261 Japanese and 1123 Finnish teachers. Measurement invariance was tested to ensure the chosen scales’ cross-cultural validity. In both countries, mastery experience was identified as the strongest of the four sources contributing uniquely to TSE. However, the two groups differed in how verbal persuasion predicted TSE. The findings indicate that the effects of the four sources on TSE depend strongly on sociocultural context, and that, in Japan, other sources may exert a powerful influence. Practical implications are discussed, with particular regard to teacher training programs. peerRevi…

Examining the relationships between teacher self-efficacy, professional learning community, and experiential learning in Japan

This study investigated the relationships between professional learning communities (PLCs), teacher self-efficacy, and experiential learning. A conceptual model that connects PLC components, including shared vision, interactive reflection, and collegiality, to teacher self-efficacy was proposed, as mediated by experiential learning. The data comprised 3,604 teachers from 204 primary schools and 787 teachers from 90 lower secondary schools in Japan. First, a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the same constructs of PLC, teacher self-efficacy, and experiential learning were measured at different school levels. Second, multigroup structural equation modelling revealed that …

Rasch Analysis of the Japanese Version of Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices Scale: Scale Unidimensionality

This study aimed to examine the construct validity of the Japanese version of the Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices (TEIP) scale. The sample consisted of 250 teachers in Japan. Rasch analysis was used to examine the psychometric properties of the scale. Results did not support the 18-item Japanese version of the TEIP scale as a unidimensional scale for measuring TEIP. However, they do support the final 14-item Japanese version of the TEIP scale as a unidimensional scale for measuring TEIP. Four items were removed from the original 18-item scale (items 12, 8, 5, and 3) for violation of the local independency assumption. No item with differential item functioning (DIF) was detected. On…

保育士・幼稚園教諭に求められる保育及び子育て支援現場におけるソーシャルワーク機能についての一考察 : フィンランドのネウボラの視察から [The Function of Social Work as Part of Child Support by Nursery and Kindergarten Teachers : an Observation Study of Finnish Neuvola System]

Japanese in-service teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive education and self-efficacy for inclusive practices

Using a sample of 359 in-service teachers, this study examines Japanese teachers' attitudes toward inclusive education and their self-efficacy for inclusive practices. The results indicate that although teachers’ sentiments toward disabilities were generally positive, the teachers had some concerns about implementing inclusive education in their classroom. The overall level of self-efficacy was relatively low in the Japanese sample compared to that of other countries, particularly in relation to managing problematic student behavior. Self-efficacy regarding managing behavior and collaboration was related to overall attitudes toward inclusive education. The findings can enable useful insight…