Students with special needs in inclusive classrooms during COVİD-19 pandemic: Science teachers' perspectives

In this study, it is aimed to investigate the situation of students with special needs in the distance education during COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of science teachers. The sample of the study consisted of 12 science teachers. Qualitative research approach was used to conduct this study. More specifically, case study approach was applied. Semi- structured interviews were performed for the data collection. The obtained data were examined by qualitative data analysis. The following themes were found: the opinions of the science teachers about the inclusive education, the opinions of the science teachers about the education of the students with special needs in the distance education, the opinions of science teachers on the problems that special needs students may encounter in the distance education and the opinions of science teachers about the distance education of special needs students. The results revealed the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic period on students with special needs and the difficulty of inclusive education during distance education. Recommendations were provided along with the results regarding the education of special needs students in distance education.