Preparing General Education Teachers for Inclusive Settings: Integrating High-Leverage Practices and Mixed-Reality Simulation in Pre-Service Coursework

Abstract

Students with disabilities are increasingly being educated in general education classrooms. This exploratory study investigates the efficacy of using mixed-reality simulation (MRS) to provide deliberate practice on high-leverage practices (HLPs) for pre-service general education teachers. Results indicate significant shifts in pre-service teacher understanding of and perceived readiness to implement HLPs in favor of the mixed-reality treatment group. Examining the influence of this innovative technology on pre-service teacher lesson planning yielded mixed results. Findings hold implications for the preparation of special and general education teachers across all content areas.

Keywords

• high-leverage practices
• mixed-reality simulation
• deliberate practice
• pre-service teacher
• teacher preparation
• students with disabilities