Inclusive education in Saudi Arabia and Germany: students’ perception of school well-being, social inclusion, and academic self-concept

Ghaleb H. Alnahdi, Susanne Schwab

Publications: Contribution to journalArticlePeer Reviewed

Abstract

This study aimed to compare perceptions of inclusion between Saudi and German students using a Perception of Inclusion Questionnaire (PIQ). The samples included 888 students from Saudi Arabia and 699 from Germany. Responses of the fifth and sixth grades' students in both countries were compared. Descriptive statistics, t-test, and Cohen's effect size were conducted to analyse the data. In general, Saudi students were more positive about their perception of inclusion in schools; however, Saudi students also showed more tendency to agree with all items in the PIQ, including negative indicators of the level of inclusion. No differences were expressed by either sample for not having a strong desire to go to school, and both expressed strongly positive responses regarding getting along very well with classmates. Students with learning disabilities in both samples reported lower academic self-concept compared with their peers. Recommendations for future research are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)773-786
Number of pages14
JournalEuropean Journal of Special Needs Education
Volume36
Issue number5
Early online date2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 503034 Inclusive education

Keywords

  • CHILDREN
  • DISABILITIES
  • Germany
  • NEEDS
  • OUTCOMES
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Student perceptions
  • inclusive education
  • perception of inclusion questionnaire
  • students with special education needs

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Inclusive education in Saudi Arabia and Germany: students’ perception of school well-being, social inclusion, and academic self-concept'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this