Teachers’ Knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disability Students and Their Classroom Management Approaches

Abstract

Parents and many other stakeholders usually complain about equity and inclusivity of students with special educational needs (SEN) in the mainstream schools. The purpose of the study was to find out the level of teachers’ knowledge of special educational needs and disability students and their classroom management procedures and strategies. The study adopted qualitative paradigm and a descriptive approach to gather data and were thematically analysed. The findings showed that teachers’ knowledge of special educational needs and disability students was very limited. It revealed teachers’ lack of in-depth knowledge of inclusivity, enacted and operational policies and their application, and the classroom management procedures and management of students with special educational needs. It is recommended that teachers be examined appropriately and certified before allowing them to teach in schools. Teachers who are already teaching should be updated with the current trend of educational issues including inclusivity, equity and gender sensitivity.