Challenges facing the implementation of inclusive education in primary schools

• Main Author: Gwala, Qinisile Virginia
• Other Authors: Nzima, D.R.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: Inclusive education; Mainstreaming in education; Special education
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10530/327

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree MASTER OF EDUCATION in the Department of Educational Psychology of the Faculty of Education at the University of Zululand, 2006. === The aim of this study was to determine the challenges faced by educators in implementing inclusive education in primary schools in the EThekwini Region of Kwa Zulu Natal. The research methodology was in the form of a qualitative inquiry. Individual interviews of educators were conducted, and a questionnaire was administered to collect data. The results revealed that educators do not show an understanding of inclusive education and are uncertain of their roles. The educators' lack of knowledge, little or no experience, uncertainty about roles, inadequate training in teaching learners with barriers in learning and development result in a high percentage of educators holding negative attitudes towards inclusion of learners with barriers in learning into regular classrooms. The researcher observed that a remarkable number of educators are therefore uncertain about inclusion of learners with barriers in regular classrooms. Based on the views of the educators the researcher concluded that educators attempts are influenced by the tradition of referring learners with barriers in learning and development to outside specialists who assessed, wrote evaluative reports , gave counselling to both learners and their parents, prepared and implemented educational r#ogrammes and provided preventative programmes. The study revealed that teachers need quality comprehensive pre-service and in-service training.