Pre-service teacher training for inclusive education. Analysis of three chilean programs of pedagogy in Elementary Education that enfasize inclusive education.

Abstract

This article explores the importance of inclusive education in pre-service training by examining three academic programs focused on Pedagogy in Elementary Education in the Chilean higher education system that incorporate elements of inclusive education in their descriptions and profiles. Specifically, the research seeks to understand how to inclusive education is defined in the curriculum of these programs and how they include this dimension in the educational training of these students. Using mixed methods approach, the study analyzes the professional profiles and the curricula of each academic program. This analysis is contrasted with the discourse of directors and teachers from each of the programs. The results show that the most programs develop an approach towards inclusive education is based more heavily in theoretical discourse rather than in the implementation of specific teaching practices. Furthermore, the results show that programs incorporate the concept of inclusive education only in relation to specific subjects, without developing a transversal vision of the topic. Additionally, the study did not find high levels of internal consistency regarding what is meant by inclusive education and how this should be developed for initial training of teachers in the programs analyzed.