Factors that hinder effective inclusion of Learners with Epilepsy in Regular Primary Schools in Mutithi Zone in Kirinyaga District.
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Date
2008-12
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Education, Open and Distance Learning.
Abstract
The research was on the factors that hinder proper inclusion of learners
with epilepsy in her regular school in Mutithi Zone and Mwea Division in
Kirinyaga District.
The researcher found that many people agree that there is no proper
inclusion of these learners. This is due to different factors just like Randiki
2002 stated that Uganda doesn't have enough trained personnel to handle
these learners, so is Kenya. The teachers who handle these children are
not conscious of their needs in order to provide for them. This was quoted
by Awai and Simiyu 2000.
There is a general societal of the learners with epilepsy. Just as Pickering a
1996 quoted that people with epilepsy were classed with those who were
mad or who had leprosy of T.B.
This is added weight by Randiki 2002 who said that many people still
believe that a child with disability is a bad omen. (This includes learners
with epilepsy) investing in these children's education is considered useless.
Magugu and Wang'ombe 1991 put it that for effective integration there
should be class size reduction to ensure that teachers have a manageable
class.
The research was analyzed in form tables, which showed that the teachers
and the pupils are not aware that there are learners with epilepsy in their
schools. Their performance is usually below average. Since there is
scarcity of trained personnel to handle these learners their handling is
always considered difficult.
Due to negative attitude towards learners with epilepsy, their class work is
negatively affected and their interaction with the" ordinary learners"
reduced. This also makes them not to be fully involved in schools nonacademic
activities. This means that their learning environment is not
appropriate making most of them unhappy.
This expected considering that the primary curriculum has not fully catered
for the learners with epilepsy.
The researcher concluded that the research touched on the major factors
that the researcher intended to find out from the teachers and pupils.
There are many learners with epilepsy who don't get proper handling to
lack of knowledge of how to handle their needs to train more teachers and
the society to change its negative attitude towards these learners. The
researcher also recommends that the learning environment should be
improved and appropriate policies be put in lace at all these learners are to
be recognized in schools and in the community. This will ensure that their
lives are happy/ complete.
Description
A research report to Institute of Open and Distance
Learning Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirement for Award of B.Ed. Degree in Special Needs
Education of Kampala International University.
Keywords
Epilepsy, Learners, Factors, Primary Schools, Kirinyaga District