Author: Eleen Chesaro
The Presbyterian University of East Africa
P.O Box 387 Kikuyu, Kenya
Email: eleenchesaro@yahoo.com
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine challenges faced by teachers in teaching mentally challenged and communication deficient learners in Mbagathi special unit in Kenya. The study employed case study design that aimed at providing in depth understanding of the challenges experienced by teachers in teaching mentally challenged and communication deficient learners. The study targeted teachers and the school head teacher associated with learners with mental and communication deficit. Purposive sampling was used to obtain a sample of 5 key informants who took part in the study. For data collection, the study employed interview guides, participant observation guide and document analysis as data collection instruments. Data collected through interview, analysis of documents and observation was analyzed qualitatively. The collected data was first transcribed before coding into themes. The study findings revealed that lack of adequate fellow teacher support to the challenged learners, lack of adequate parental support to the challenged learners and inadequate physical and financial resources were the major challenges faced by teachers in teaching mentally challenged and communication deficient learners in Mbagathi special unit. Based on the finding, it was recommended that parents should be more intensive in assisting, accompanying, and guiding their children, especially to the children who have special needs so that their motivation and academic achievement can be enhanced. It is also recommended that teachers and school should give more fruitful collaboration between schools to facilitate their needs and potentials. Just like other students, the government should provide adequate physical and financial opportunities to the mentally challenged and communication deficient learners. This will motivate their teachers and boost the academic performance of the students.
Keywords: mentally challenged education, communication deficient learners’ education, special needs teachers’ challenges
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Suggested Citation
Chesaro, E. (2020). Challenges faced by teachers in teaching mentally challenged and communication deficient learners in Mbagathi special unit, Kenya. African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 7(3), 48-58. Available online at http://arjess.org/education-research/challenges-faced-by-teachers-in-teaching-mentally-challenged-and-communication-deficient-learners-in-mbagathi-special-unit-kenya.pdf
