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A Q Methodology Study: Exploring early childhood educators’ attitudes toward inclusive practices using Universal Design for Learning in early childhood care and education classrooms

Canavan, Siobhán (2025) A Q Methodology Study: Exploring early childhood educators’ attitudes toward inclusive practices using Universal Design for Learning in early childhood care and education classrooms. Doctor of Education thesis, Dublin City University.

Abstract
As awareness of learner diversity grows, there is an impetus to adopt and apply inclusive education across the education continuum. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is recognised in literature and policy as a key framework to promote equitable education for all children. However, its implementation in Irish early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings remains limited. Moreover, most research has focused on UDL in higher education, with minimal attention to early childhood education. This study aimed to contribute to understanding the attitudes and beliefs of early childhood educators regarding inclusive pedagogical practices through the lens of UDL. It explored the variability of early childhood educators’ attitudes as a first step to adopt UDL as an effective pedagogical tool in Irish ECEC. The study used the UDL Guidelines 3.0 to investigate early childhood educators’ approach to creating all-inclusive Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) classrooms. The research adopted an exploratory qualiquantological hybrid approach (Q methodology) of insights from quantitative and qualitative methods to gain deep insight into, and understanding of, subjective viewpoints. The research participants were thirty-four early childhood educators with various roles who worked in ECCE classrooms. Each participant completed a Q-sort, which was analysed with Q software, followed by four post-Q online semi-structured interviews. In addition to highlighting a shared consensus on placing the child at the centre of inclusive practices, three distinguishing viewpoints were identified, categorised, and named as Relational Advocates, Collaborative Partners, and Compassionate Innovators. Additionally, using a flexible, alternative, and post-disciplinary research method such as Q methodology allows for objectively and scientifically exploring subjective beliefs and opinions, thereby gaining new knowledge and making a substantial contribution to education research, policy, and practice.
Metadata
Item Type:Thesis (Doctor of Education)
Date of Award:18 August 2025
Refereed:No
Supervisor(s):Logan, Anna and McNally, Sinéad
Subjects:Social Sciences > Education
Social Sciences > Teaching
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Institute of Education
DCU Faculties and Schools > Institute of Education > School of Inclusive & Special Education
Use License:This item is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License. View License
ID Code:31426
Deposited On:26 Nov 2025 11:26 by Anna Logan . Last Modified 26 Nov 2025 11:26
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[thumbnail of Final Thesis Siobhan Canavan (1).pdf] PDF - Archive staff only. This file is embargoed until 1 October 2027 - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader
Creative Commons: Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0
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