Abstract
The study investigates a link between media portrayal of disabilities and its influence on teachers’ perceptions of their students. By using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, participants (N = 8) gave an insight into
their perceptions of the impact TV programmes and films have on their understanding of disability and teaching style. The findings reveal that the participants found the majority of media to sensationalise disability, perpetuate
stereotypes and lack appropriate representation of people with disabilities in general. The teachers within the sample also acknowledged media as impacting their understanding, awareness and knowledge of disabilities and approaches, but they did not see it as impacting their teaching practices directly.
their perceptions of the impact TV programmes and films have on their understanding of disability and teaching style. The findings reveal that the participants found the majority of media to sensationalise disability, perpetuate
stereotypes and lack appropriate representation of people with disabilities in general. The teachers within the sample also acknowledged media as impacting their understanding, awareness and knowledge of disabilities and approaches, but they did not see it as impacting their teaching practices directly.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 138 |
| Number of pages | 145 |
| Journal | Support for Learning |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Keywords
- media
- impact
- teachers' perceptions
- representation of disability
- television
- sensationalism