Participation in Teaching and Learning Activities in Primary School Classrooms Accommodating Pupils with Disabilities: Teachers and Pupils Perspectives

This paper shows how participation in teaching and learning activities is viewed by teachers and pupils with and without disabilities in primary schools. The study was conducted in three primary schools accommodating pupils with disabilities in ordinary classes. Eight teachers; 81 pupils with disabilities and 90 pupils without disabilities participated in the study. Of the 90 pupils 45 were lower achievers and the others were high achievers. The findings show that there are qualitative differences in views regarding participation among pupils and among teachers. For example, whereas some teachers feel difficulties in preparing teaching aids, pupils demand teaching aids that correspond to their specific needs. However, both teachers and pupils agree that resources influences participation in classroom activities among pupils with and without disabilities