Challenges faced by mentally handicapped learners in schools; a case study of selected primary schools in Nyaburu zone, Rongo district Kenya
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Date
2009-08
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Publisher
Kampala International University, Institute of Education, Open and Distance Learning
Abstract
The study investigated the challenges faced by the mentally handicapped in selected primary
schools in Nyamburu zone of Rogo District, Kenya. The challenges which were extensively
investigated included resource availability and the pupil teacher ratio among others.
The main objective was to investigate the challenges faced by mentally handicapped learners in
Nyaburu zone Rongo district and the impact of free education on mentally handicapped learners.
Literature related to the study was reviewed and it became apparent that the mentally
handicapped are still largely a marginalized lot. This provided not just the motivation but the
urgency to investigate what is being done in our immediate neighborhood so that this problem
can be intelligently interrogated
The design was Ex post facto as the variable being investigated had already taken place.
Stratified and purposeful sampling was used to select the study population. Questionnaires were
the main data collection tools. The data generated were analyzed basic statistics in which
frequencies, mode and percentages were calculated.
The main findings of the study were the schools were inadequately staffed in terms of people are
trained to handle such categories of pupils. The problem has been worsened by free primary
education that has led to an influx of all categories of pupils to our primary schools. The facilities
that the mentally challenged need to use are grossly lacking
The conclusion was that mentally handicapped learners face various challenges but if all
stakeholders work hand in hand, these challenges can be minimized.
Some of the recommendations made were that there is need to improve the teacher-pupil ratio,
sensitize the various stakeholders on handling this category of pupils, creation of more units and
provision of more funds by the ministry of education.
Description
A research report submitted to the Institute of Education, Open and Distance Learning in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of the Bachelor of Education with Special Needs of Kampala International University
Keywords
mentally handicapped, learners