Dr Umesh Sharma - Researcher Profile

Biography

Dr Umesh Sharma is Senior Lecturer and co-ordinator of Special Education Programs in the Faculty of Education. He has extensive training in teaching students with a range of disabilities including students with multiple disabilities. Dr. Sharma is working closely with a number of professionals in the field of special education from both developed (Canada, USA, UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong) and developing countries (India, China, South Africa, Fiji, the Solomon Islands Brunei and Brazil).  He is the co-ordinator of an international project that examine why teachers are apprehensive to work with students with diverse learning needs and what could be done to improve their efficacy of teachers to teach in inclusive and special schools. The project is being implemented in 12 countries including China, Bangladesh, Mexico, Italy and the UK. Some of his recent research projects include Evaluating teaching practices using reflective teaching framework funded by Monash University; Empowering parents of children with autism to manage disruptive behaviours using Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) strategies, funded by APEX Foundation, Australia; Understanding and addressing misperceptions of educators for effective prevention. Funded by William Angliss Foundation; and Why teachers are aggressive, funded by Monash University, Reforming teacher education for inclusive education in Asian countries, funded by AusAID. His areas of research interests are: preparation of teachers to teach in inclusive classrooms, inclusive and teacher education in developing countries; and attitude and efficacy measurement.

Research & Supervision Interests

Attitude and concern measurement; Positive behaviour Support; Inclusive curricular strategies; Inclusive education in developing countries; Teacher efficacy to implement inclusive education

Qualifications

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Institution: Monash University

Year awarded: 2003

POST GRADUATE DIPOMA IN EDUCATION (PRIMARY)

Institution: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

Year awarded: 2002

SPECIAL AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

Institution: University of Melbourne

Year awarded: 2001

MASTER OF EDUCATION (SPECIAL EDUCATION)

Institution: Karukshetra University

Year awarded: 1993

Publications

Books

Sharma, U., 2009, School Educators' Attitudes about Inclusion in India - The attitudes and concerns of educators regarding the integration of students with disabilities into regular schools in Delhi, India, VDM, Germany.

Book Chapters

Sharma, U., 2010, Using reflective practices for the preparation of pre-service teachers for inclusive classrooms, in Teacher Education for Inclusion. Changing Paradigms and Innovative Approaches, eds Chris Forlin, Routledge, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, pp. 102-111.

Sharma, U., Desai, I., 2008, The changing roles and responsibilities of school principals relative to inclusive education, in Reform, Inclusion & Teacher Education: Towards a New Era of Special Education in the Asia-Pacific Region, eds Chris Forlin and Ming-Gon John Lian, Routledge, UK, USA & Canada, pp. 153-168.

Journal Articles

Wang, M., Zan, F., Liu, J., Liu, C., Sharma, U., 2012, A survey study of Chinese in-service teachers' self-efficacy about inclusive education, Journal of International Special Needs Education [P], vol 1, Council for Exceptional Children, Division of International Special Education and Services, USA, pp. 107-116.

Ahsan, M., Sharma, U., Deppeler, J., 2012, Challenges to prepare pre-service teachers for inclusive education in Bangladesh: Beliefs of higher educational institutional heads, Asia Pacific Journal of Education [E], vol 32, issue 2, Routledge, UK, pp. 241-257.

Sharma, U., 2012, Changing pre-service teachers beliefs to teach in inclusive classrooms in Victoria, Australia, Australian Journal of Teacher Education [E], vol 37, issue 10, Social Science Press, Katoomba New South Wales Australia, pp. 53-66.

Ahsan, M.T., Sharma, U., Deppeler, J.M., 2012, Exploring pre-service teachers' perceived teaching-efficacy, attitudes and concerns about inclusive education in Bangladesh, International Journal of Whole Schooling [P], vol 8, issue 2, Whole Schooling Consortium, USA, pp. 1-20.

Mullick, J., Deppeler, J.M., Sharma, U., 2012, Inclusive education reform in primary schools of Bangladesh: Leadership challenges and possible strategies to address the challenges, International Journal of Whole Schooling [P], vol 8, issue 1, Whole Schooling Consortium, USA, pp. 1-20.

Mullick, J., Deppeler, J.M., Sharma, U., 2012, Leadership practice structures in regular primary schools involved in inclusive education reform in Bangladesh, The International Journal of Learning [E], vol 18, issue 11, Common Ground Publishing, Australia, pp. 67-82.

Sharma, U., Loreman, T., Forlin, C., 2012, Measuring teacher efficacy to implement inclusive practices, Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs [P], vol 12, issue 1, Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd, United Kingdom, pp. 12-21.

Mullick, J., Sharma, U., Deppeler, J.M., 2012, School teachers' perception about distributed leadership practices for inclusive education in primary schools in Bangladesh, School Leadership & Management [P], vol E, Routledge, UK, pp. 1-18.

Ahmmed, M., Sharma, U., Deppeler, J., 2012, Variables affecting teachers' attitudes towards inclusive education in Bangladesh, Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs [P], vol 12, issue 3, Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd, UK, pp. 132-140.

Ahsan, M., Sharma, U., Deppeler, J., 2011, Beliefs of pre-service teacher education institutional heads about inclusive education in Bangladesh, Bangladesh Education Journal [P], vol 10, issue 1, BAFED and IED-BRACU, Dhaka, Bangladesh, pp. 9-29.

Morris, C., Sharma, U., 2011, Facilitating the inclusion of children with vision impairment: Perspectives of itinerant support teachers, Australasian Journal of Special Education [E], vol 35, issue 2, Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom, pp. 191-203.

Sharma, U., 2011, Teaching in inclusive classrooms: Changing heart, head, and hands, Bangladesh Education Journal [P], vol 10, issue 2, BAFED and IED-BRACU, Dhaka, Bangladesh, pp. 7-18.

Forlin, C., Loreman, T., Sharma, U., 2011, The sentiments, attitudes, and concerns about inclusive education revised (SACIE-R) scale for measuring pre-service teachers' perceptions about inclusion, Exceptionality Education International [E], vol 21, issue 3, University of Alberta Department of Educational Psychology, Canada, pp. 50-65.

Furlonger, B.E., Sharma, U., Moore, D.W., Smyth King, B., 2010, A new approach to training teachers to meet the diverse learning needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing children within inclusive Australian schools, International Journal of Inclusive Education [P], vol 14, Routledge, UK, pp. 289-308.

Sharma, U., Moore, D.W., Furlonger, B.E., King, B.S., Kaye, L., Constantino, O., 2010, Forming effective partnerships to facilitate inclusion of students with vision impairments, British Journal of Visual Impairment [P], vol 28, issue 1, Sage Publications Ltd., United Kingdom, pp. 57-67.

Sharma, U., Moore, D.W., Sonawane, S., 2009, Attitudes and concerns of pre-service teachers regarding inclusion of students with disabilities into regular schools in Pune, India, Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education [P], vol 37, issue 3, Routledge, Australia / United Kingdom, pp. 319-331.

Forlin, C., Loreman, T.J., Sharma, U., Earle, C., 2009, Demographic differences in changing pre-service teachers' attitudes, sentiments and concerns about inclusive education, The International Journal of Inclusive Education [P], vol 13, issue 2, Routledge, United Kingdom, pp. 195-209.

Ahmmed, M., Deppeler, J.M., Sharma, U., 2009, Inclusive educational reform and experiences of the teachers in the U.K. and Bangladesh, MASAUM Journal Of Social Sciences and Applications (MJSSA) [P], vol 1, issue 1, MASAUM Network for High-Quality Publications, http://www.masaumnet.com/mjssa.html, pp. 1-14.

Sharma, U., Forlin, C., Loreman, T., 2008, Impact of training on pre-service teachers' attitudes and concerns about inclusive education and sentiments about persons with disabilities, Disability & Society, vol 23, issue 7, Routledge, United Kingdom, pp. 773-785.

Sharma, U., Sze Chow, E., 2008, The attitudes of Hong Kong primary school principals toward integrated education, Asia Pacific Education Review, vol 9, issue 3, Education Research Institute, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea, pp. 380-391.

Forlin, C., Loreman, T., Sharma, U., 2007, An international comparison of pre-service teacher attitudes towards inclusive education, Disability Studies Quarterly, vol 27, issue 4, Society for Disability Studies, http://www.dsq-sds.org/_articles_html/2007/fall/dsq_v27_04_2007_fall_fs_02_loreman.htm, pp. 1-13.

Sharma, U., O'Connell, M., 2007, Designing for learning: action reflections, Reflective Practice, vol 8, issue 3, Routledge, http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=g780577463~db=all, pp. 433-446.

Loreman, T., Earle, C., Sharma, U., Forlin, C., 2007, The development of an instrument for measuring pre-service teachers' sentiments, attitudes, and concerns about inclusive education, International Journal of Special Education, vol 22, issue 2, University of British Columbia, Canada, pp. 151-160.

Sharma, U., Forlin, C., Loreman, T., 2007, What concerns pre-service teachers about inclusive education: An international viewpoint?, KEDI Journal of Educational Policy, vol 4, issue 2, Korean Educational Development Institute, Seoul, pp. 95-114.

Sharma, U., Forlin, C., Loreman, T., Earle, C., 2006, Pre-service teachers' attitudes, concerns and sentiments about inclusive education: an international comparison of the novice pre-service teachers, International Journal of Special Education, vol 21, issue 2, University of British Columbia, Canada, http://www.internationaljournalofspecialeducation.com/, pp. 80-93.

Subban, P., Sharma, U., 2006, Primary school teachers' perceptions of inclusive education in Victoria, Australia, International Journal of Special Education [P], vol 21, issue 2, http://www.internationaljournalofspecialeducation.com/, http://www.internationaljournalofspecialeducation.com/, pp. 42-52.

Deppeler, J.M., Loreman, T., Sharma, U., 2005, Improving inclusive practices in secondary schools: moving from specialist support to supporting learning communities, The Australasian Journal of Special Education, vol 29, issue 2, AASE Inc., Australia, pp. 117-127.

Sharma, U., Deppeler, J.M., 2005, Integrated education in India: challenges and prospects, Disability Studies Quarterly, vol 25, issue 1, Center on Disability Studies, USA, pp. 1-8.

Subban, P., Sharma, U., 2005, Understanding educator attitudes toward the implementation of inclusive education, Disability Studies Quarterly: The First Journal in the field of Disability Studies, vol 25, issue 2, Centre on Disability Studies, USA, pp. 1-19.

O'Connell, M.J., Sharma, U., 2004, Designing for active learning: a conversation, The Knowledge Tree: An e-Journal of Flexible Learning in Vocational Education and Training (VET), vol 6, Australian Flexible Learning Framework, http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/knowledgetree/, pp. 1-11.

Sharma, U., Ee, J., Desai, I., 2003, A comparison of Australian and Singaporean pre-service teachers' attitudes and concerns about inclusive education, Teaching and Learning, vol 24, issue 2, Nanyang Technological University and National Institute of Ed, Singapore, pp. 207-271.

Sharma, U., Desai, I., 2003, Measuring concerns about integrated education in India, Asia and Pacific Journal of Disability, vol 5, issue 1, Asia Pacific Regional Committee of Rehabilitation International, Hong Kong, pp. 2-14.

Conference Proceedings

Loreman, T., Sharma, U., Forlin, C., Earle, C., 2005, Pre-service teachers' attitude and concerns regarding inclusive education, ISEC 2005 Conference Proceedings, 01/08/2005 to 04/08/2005, The University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, http://www.inclusive.co.uk/catalogue/acatalog/ISEC_2005_Conference_Proceedings_CD.html, pp. 1-37.

Other

Anderson, A., Deppeler, J.M., Moore, D.W., Long, M.G., Sharma, U., McLean, L.A., 2007, SWB Eligibility Criteria Review. Final Report, The Krongold Centre, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Clayton Vic Australia, pp. 1-72.

Grants

Title:

"Including The Excluded" through teacher education reform in China.

Investigators:

Sharma, U, Deppeler, J

Funding:

(2012 - 2016). Australian Agency for International Development (AusAid).

Title:

Disruptive behaviours in young children: Understanding and addressing misperceptions of educators for effective prevention.

Investigators:

Sharma, U

Funding:

(2008 - 2012). William Angliss (Victoria) Charitable Fund.

Title:

Empowering parents of children with Autism to manage disruptive behaviours positively.

Investigators:

Sharma, U

Funding:

(2006 - 2009). Apex Foundation.

Title:

Including the excluded through teacher education reform in China.

Investigators:

Sharma, U, Moore, D, Deppeler, J

Funding:

(2011 - 2015). Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Title:

Inclusive and special education: Collaboration between Pune and Monash Universities.

Investigators:

Sharma, U

Funding:

(2006 - 2010). Australia - India Council.

Title:

Investigating the Feasibility of Portable Funding for Students with Disabilities.

Investigators:

Moore, D, Deppeler, J, Sharma, U, Long, M, Ferrier, F

Funding:

(2006 - 2010). Department of Education, Science & Training.

Title:

Preventing and managing extreme and challenging behaviour - professional learning for specialist schools.

Investigators:

Moore, D, Anderson, A, Reupert, A, Riley, P, Sharma, U

Funding:

(2012 - 2017). Department of Education & Early Childhood Development VIC.

Title:

Provision of Mental Health Professional Learning Program: Intervention, Research and Evaluation.

Investigators:

Reupert, A, Deppeler, J, Riley, P, Maybery, D, Sharma, U, Snow, P, Hasking, P

Funding:

(2012 - 2016). Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Title:

Review of the eligibility criteria for the program for students with disability.

Investigators:

Moore, D, Anderson, A, Deppeler, J, Sharma, U, McLean, L, Long, M

Funding:

(2007 - 2012). Department of Education & Early Childhood Development VIC.

Postgraduate Research Supervisions

Current Supervision

Program of Study:

(DOCTORATE BY RESEARCH).

Thesis Title:

Administrators' preparedness for inclusion education reform in Bangladesh.

Supervisors:

Deppeler, J (Joint-co), Sharma, U (Joint).

Program of Study:

(DOCTORATE BY RESEARCH).

Thesis Title:

Inclusive Education.

Supervisors:

Deppeler, J (Joint-co), Sharma, U (Joint).

Program of Study:

(DOCTORATE BY RESEARCH).

Thesis Title:

Inclusive education in the Kingdom Saudi Arabia: educators' attitudes and efficancy.

Supervisors:

Deppeler, J (Joint), Sharma, U (Joint-co).

Program of Study:

(DOCTORATE BY RESEARCH).

Thesis Title:

Leadership practice and inclusive education reform: primary.

Supervisors:

Deppeler, J (Joint-co), Sharma, U (Joint).

Program of Study:

(DOCTORATE BY RESEARCH).

Thesis Title:

Pre-service teachers' experience and beliefs towards inclusive education in Bangladesh.

Supervisors:

Deppeler, J (Joint-co), Sharma, U (Joint).

Program of Study:

(DOCTORATE BY RESEARCH).

Thesis Title:

Predictors of teachers' intention to include students with diverse needs in their classrooms: Primary schools in Bangladesh..

Supervisors:

Deppeler, J (Joint-co), Sharma, U (Joint).

Program of Study:

(DOCTORATE BY RESEARCH).

Thesis Title:

Understanding Attitude and Self Efficacy Beliefs of In-service and Pre-service Teachers to include Students with Disruptive Behavior in Malaysian Primary School..

Supervisors:

Reupert, A (Joint), Sharma, U (Joint-co).

Program of Study:

(MASTER'S BY RESEARCH).

Thesis Title:

Why allowing certain types of behaviour leads to a better disciplinary outcome.

Supervisors:

Sharma, U (Main).

Completed Supervision

Student:

Alamer, S.

Program of Study:

Views of giftedness: the perceptions of teachers and parents regarding the traits of gifted children in Saudi Arabia. (PHD) 2009.

Supervisors:

Sharma, U (Main), Moore, D (Joint).

Student:

Bellette, T.

Program of Study:

Investigating the impact of Adventure Based Programming on the Friendships of Students with Disabilities. 2004.

Supervisors:

Sharma, U (Main).

Student:

Chong, R.

Program of Study:

The effects of video modeling on alternative activity choices of preschool children with autism. (PHD) 2009.

Supervisors:

Moore, D (Joint), Sharma, U (Joint-Co).

Student:

Dimos, L.

Program of Study:

The effects of inquiry learning and direct instruction on the mathematical achievement and attitude of at-risk students. 2003.

Supervisors:

Sharma, U (Main).

Student:

Lee, K.

Program of Study:

Job Satisfaction of Special Education Teachers in Singapore. 2004.

Supervisors:

Sharma, U (Main).

Student:

Mckenzie, C.

Program of Study:

. 2004.

Supervisors:

Sharma, U (Main).

Student:

Muscara, L.

Program of Study:

Inclusion in a Child Care Context: Experiences and Attitudes of Child Care Workers. 2005.

Supervisors:

Deppeler, J (Joint-Co), Sharma, U (Joint).

Student:

Siriwardana, S.

Program of Study:

. 2005.

Supervisors:

Sharma, U (Main).

Student:

Subban, P.

Program of Study:

A measure of teachers' attitudes toward the implementation of differentiated instruction. (PHD) 2011.

Supervisors:

Sharma, U (Main).

Student:

Subban, P.

Program of Study:

Teachers' perceptions of inclusive education in Victoria, Australia.. (Masters) 2004.

Supervisors:

Sharma, U (Main).

Student:

Vibulpatanavong, K.

Program of Study:

A Comparison between Preschool and School Teachers' Perceptions Regarding Skills Necessary for Children with Disabilities to Have Before School Enrolment. 2003.

Supervisors:

Sharma, U (Main).