The views and course practices of science teachers on the psychological resilience of students with learning disabilities

Abstract

It is crucial for students with learning disabilities (SLDs) to possess psychological resilience in order to pursue their careers as entrepreneurial individuals. One of the areas where entrepreneurship skills are taught in middle school is in science courses. This shows the importance of teaching psychological resilience in science courses. On the basis of this idea, the present study aims to determine the views and suggestions of science teachers on the psychological resilience of SLDs as well as the course processes they carry out in order to foster this trait. Individual and focus group interviews were conducted with 15 science teachers and observations were recorded with two science teachers. Interview and observation forms were developed, taking into account the indicators of the four dimensions of resilience: coping with stress, communication, assertiveness and problem-solving skills. The study revealed that science teachers did not implement teaching processes to develop the psychological resilience of SLDs and that they considered themselves professionally inadequate in this regard. The science teachers suggested that activities based on learning by practice and experience, collaboration with different businesses and project-based teaching could be effective in improving the psychological resilience of SLDs.