Learning Environment and Social Adaptation of Learners in Special Institutions in Nyamira District, Kenya

ABSTRACT The study surveyed on learning environment and social adaptation of learners with special needs in special schools/units in Nyamira District Kenya. This research determined further the following (1) profile of respondents (teachers) as to age, gender, academic qualifications and teaching experience (2) the level of conduciveness of learning environment (3) the level of social adaptation (4) the significant relationship between the level of conduciveness of leaning environment and level of social adaptation of learners with special needs. The researcher used the researcher made questionnaires to collect data. The researcher used means, percentages and frequencies in data analysis. Researchers’ findings established a positive significant relation between variables that is learning environment and social adaptation relationship between the two variables was rejected having a mean of 0.554 based on the findings. The recommendations were divided to the following aspects (1) teachers to prepare thoroughly (2) the ministry of education to conduct seminars to sensitize and motivate teachers and train more teachers on special needs (3) policy makers to formulate policies to favour learners and persons with disabilities (4) the future researchers to conduct similar research and fill the gaps that the researcher might has out.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER page

ONE THE PROBLEM AND IT’S SCOPE 1

Background Of The Study 1

Statement Of Problem 3

The Purpose Of The Study 3

Research Objectives 3

Research Questions 4

Null Hypothesis 4

Theoretical Scope 5

Significance Of The Study 5

Operational Definition Of Key Terms 6

TWO REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 7

Theoretical perspective 11

related studies 13

THREE METHODOLOGY 16

Research Design 16

Research Population 16

Sampling Size 16

Sampling Procedure 17

Research Instruments 18

validity and Reliability of the Instrument 18

Reliability 19

Data Gathering Procedures 19

FOUR PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 21

FIVE FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 30

Findings 30

Profile Of Respondents 30

Conclusions 32

Recommendations 32

References 34

Appendices 37

Appendix 1A 37

Appendix lB transmittal letter for the respondents 38

Appendix 11 clearance from Ethics Committee 39

Appendix III informed Consent 40

Appendix IV A Research Instrument 41

Appendix IV B questionnaire to determine the level of learning environment for

learners with special needs 42

Appendix IV C questionnaire to determine the level of social adaptation of learners

with Special Needs 44

Appendix VI Mean Range 46

RESEARCHER’S CURRICULUM VT~AE 47