Practices and perceptions of German itinerant teachers in the field of visual impairment: Exploratory research focussing on three types of itinerant services

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the practices and perceptions of itinerant teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) in inclusive education following three different types (i.e., school-based, school-based single role, and centre-based), identifying the salient factors that enable them to fulfil their roles. To date, the majority of the existing research has focussed on centre-based itinerant TVIs, with scant attention paid to the other itinerant types. This study mitigates this lack of research. Designed as an exploratory study to provide a useful reference for future research, the study employed a qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews with nine German TVIs. The results showed more similarities than differences among the three types of TVIs in their daily tasks, needed qualities and skills, and overall perceptions of the job. Two crucial elements enabled these TVIs to work effectively: the existence of a large community of TVIs and TVIs possessing good ‘collaborative skills’. The school-based dual role seemed to provide much-needed emotional and technical support. Further investigations are needed on the factors that contribute to a good ‘team’ or a ‘community’ of TVIs and on the effectiveness of the school-based dual role.

Impact of COVID-19 on services for students with visual impairment: Experiences and lessons from the field

“…The participants in this study reported several challenging aspects of being an itinerant during the pandemic. They echoed similar concerns described in the study by Miyauchi and Gewinn (2021) that aimed to clarify the practices and perceptions of TVIs. Time management, flexibility, open-mindedness, and interpersonal skills that were identified by Miyauchi and Gewinn (2021) as important training needs for TVIs before the pandemic were reportedly described as essential during the pandemic by the participants in this study.…”

“…They echoed similar concerns described in the study by Miyauchi and Gewinn (2021) that aimed to clarify the practices and perceptions of TVIs. Time management, flexibility, open-mindedness, and interpersonal skills that were identified by Miyauchi and Gewinn (2021) as important training needs for TVIs before the pandemic were reportedly described as essential during the pandemic by the participants in this study. Moreover, the findings of this study suggest that the significance of being affiliated with other educators in the state gave itinerant TVIs and COMS not only a sense of security and safety but also reaffirmed that they were not working alone during the uncertain and rapidly changing times of the pandemic.…”

Evaluation of the Influence of Music on Modern Culture and Society

“…According to the purpose of the research, there are different types of research that help to make research study more effective. The exploratory research type is followed in this study to evaluate the influence of music in changing the cultural values in society [3]. The exploratory research type enables researchers to explore every aspect of the study to improve the effectiveness of the research.…”