Consumer Science Teachers’ Perspectives on Inclusion of Disabled Learners in Mainstream Classes in Eswatini Schools
- May 13, 2020
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: Education, IJRISS
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue IV, April 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186
Mpofu Molyn, Shongwe Nomfundo
Department of Consumer Science Education and Community Development, University of Eswatini, Eswatini
Abstract: The study explored Consumer Science teachers’ understanding of inclusion of learners with disabilities into the main stream classes. The study further examined the challenges faced by Consumer teachers in the teaching of Consumer Science to physically disabled learners. The study employed a qualitative approach using an exploratory research design. The study had a sample of twenty (20) participants purposively selecting five (5) participants from each of the four regions of Eswatini. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study findings revealed the lack of teacher training to deal with learners with disabilities in inclusive classes coupled with lack of appropriate resources and infrastructure. The study concluded that few teachers who were teaching inclusive classes were not well equipped for such classes. The study recommends the provision of in-service training to enhance the teaching of physically disabled learners.
Index words: Inclusion, Disability, Consumer Science, Impairment, Inclusive Education, Perspectives, Mainstreaming, Persons with Disabilities
I. INTRODUCTION
Until the year 2013 Eswatini did not have a comprehensive policy, strategy or legislation for addressing the rights and needs of Persons with Disabilities hence the formulation of the National Disability Policy (NDP) in 2013. The NDP recognised that persons with disabilities are valuable citizens of the country and sought to create an environment that provided them with equal opportunities, protection of their rights and full participation in society. A basic prerequisite for development is the capacity of society to use its own resources to sustain itself. Yet the people with disabilities find themselves in a state of under development due to past and present discrimination in accessing opportunities (NDP, 2013).
