The Challenges of Teaching Mentally Challenged Learners in an Inclusive Setting. A Case Study of Emmutsa Primary School Vihiga County, Emuhaya District, Kenya.

ABSTRACT The purpose of study was to determine teaching methods and academic performance of mildly retarded pupils in Emmutsa Primary School, Vihiga County, Emuhaya district, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to determine the relationship between visual aids and performance of mildly retarded children, to determine the relationship between motivation and performance of mildly retarded children, to determine the relationship between demonstrating and performance of mildly retarded children, to determine the relationship between teacher quality and performance of mildly retarded children and to determine the relationship between the curriculum and performance of mildly retarded children. The methods used for data collection were questionnaires to the teachers and focused group discussion with the pupils. The study revealed that visual aids like charts, pictures and graphs, motivation, and demonstration was an effective method for children with mild retardation. Children with mild retardation need teachers who are trained and understand the needs of children with mild retardation. Lastly the study revealed that the curriculum has to be designed to meet the needs of children with mild retardation. More teachers should be trained in the field of special needs so that they understand the needs of children with mild retardation by using effective teaching methods. The curriculum should be designed to meet the needs of children with mild retardation. Facilities like charts, pictures and graphs should be provided for in schools so that children with mild retardation understand what they are taught.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

APPROVAL ii

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGMENT iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS v

LIST OF TABLES vii

DEFINITION OF TERMS viii

ABSTRACT ix

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study 1

1.2 Statement of the problem 3

1.3 purpose of the study 3

1.4 objectives of the study 3

Specific objectives 4

1.5 Research questions 4

1.6 Scope of the study 4

1.7 Significance of the study 5

CHAPTER TWO 6

LITERATURE REVIEW 6

2.0 Introduction 6

2.1. Visual aids and performance of mildly retarded children 6

2.2. Moti’~ation and performance of mildly retarded children 6

2.3. Demonstrating and performance of mildly retarded children 7

2.4. Teacher quality and performance of mildly retarded children 7

2.5. The curriculum and performance of mildly retarded children 8

CHAPTER THREE 10

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

v

3.0. Introduction .10

3.1. Research Design .10

3.2. Research area 10

3.3. Population sample 10

3.4. Instruments of data collection 10

3.5. Data collection procedure ii

3.6. Statistical treatment of data 11

CHAPTER FOUR 12

FINDINGS AND INTERPRETATIONS 12

4.1. Introduction 12

4.2. Profile of the respondents 12

4.3. Visual aids and performance of mildly retarded children 13

4.4. Motivation and performance of mildly retarded children 15

4.5. Demonstrating and performance of mildly retarded children 17

4.6. Teacher quality and performance of mildly retarded children 18

4.7. Curriculum and performance of mildly retarded children 20

CHAPTER FIVE 22

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 22

5.1 Introduction 22

5.2 Summary 22

5.3. Conclusion 23

5.4. Recommendations 24

5.5. Suggestion for further research 24

REFERENCES 25

APPENDICES 28

APPENDIX A: QUESTIONNAIRE TO THE TEACHERS 28

APPENDIX B: INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR THE PUPILS 31