Leiden University Student Repository

Dirkzwager, Sterre (2023)

A Comparative Study: The Danish and South Korean Inclusive Classrooms

Bachelor thesis | Koreastudies (BA)

This thesis conducts a qualitative comparative analysis between Denmark and South Korea and focused on the elements teacher knowledge, intervention implementation, and the (anti-)stigmatisation of mental health in the context of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Danish and South Korean teachers showed marked differences in their theoretical understanding of ADHD but expressed similar concerns about their adequacy to teach children with ADHD. Furthermore, Denmark and South Korea showed significant differences in the usage of ADHD medication with regard to pharmaceutical interventions but showed similarities in their feeling of being ill-prepared to effectively implement academic interventions. Lastly, the (anti-)stigmatisation of mental health differed, with Denmark fostering openness of discussion and South Korean students desiring distance and holding negative attitudes regarding self-disclosure of mental health. This comparison shows that both countries still face...Show moreThis thesis conducts a qualitative comparative analysis between Denmark and South Korea and focused on the elements teacher knowledge, intervention implementation, and the (anti-)stigmatisation of mental health in the context of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Danish and South Korean teachers showed marked differences in their theoretical understanding of ADHD but expressed similar concerns about their adequacy to teach children with ADHD. Furthermore, Denmark and South Korea showed significant differences in the usage of ADHD medication with regard to pharmaceutical interventions but showed similarities in their feeling of being ill-prepared to effectively implement academic interventions. Lastly, the (anti-)stigmatisation of mental health differed, with Denmark fostering openness of discussion and South Korean students desiring distance and holding negative attitudes regarding self-disclosure of mental health. This comparison shows that both countries still face many challenges. Although Denmark is further in their special education development, South Korea has made significant progress despite a shorter development period.Show less

South Korea, Denmark, inclusive education, teacher knowledge, interventions, anti-stigmatisation

Author

Dirkzwager, Sterre

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

Green, C.K.

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en