Faculty Perception of Inclusive Instruction at Three South-Central Community Colleges

Author

Karen R. O'Donohoe, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow

Date of Graduation

12-2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education (PhD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders

Advisor/Mentor

Murry, John W. Jr.

Committee Member

Mamiseishvili, Ketevan

Second Committee Member

Miller, Michael T.

Third Committee Member

Williams, Brent T.

Keywords

Community college; Disability; Higher education; Inclusive instruction; Universal design; Universal design for instruction

Abstract

Enrollment rates for student with disabilities in higher education continue to rise, particularly in 2-year colleges, but graduation rates have not kept pace due to barriers not addressed by traditional disability supports (Black et al., 2014; NCES, 2019; Smedema et al., 2015). Inclusive instruction is a low-cost, high-impact solution that can be implemented on any campus (Black et al., 2014; Lombardi et al., 2013; Roberts et al., 2011). This quantitative study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive non-experimental research design that explored faculty self-reported attitudes and actions associated with inclusive instruction at three of the largest degree-granting, two-year institutions in a single South-Central state in the United States. It utilized an existing survey tool, Inclusive Teaching Strategies Inventory (ITSI), which focused on different areas of inclusive instruction in higher education, as well as faculty demographics. The inclusive instruction constructs included: (a) accommodations; (b) accessible course materials; (c) course modifications; (d) inclusive lecture strategies; (e) inclusive classroom; (f) inclusive assessment; and (g) disability law concepts (Lombardi et al., 2013). Results indicate that disability training can have a significant effect on faculty actions in implementing accommodations in the classroom. Findings also showed a discrepancy between faculty beliefs and actions in each construct. Further exploration of the results and practical implications are discussed as well.

Citation

O'Donohoe, K. R. (2021). Faculty Perception of Inclusive Instruction at Three South-Central Community Colleges. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/4273