MST-Department of Special Needs Education

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Browsing MST-Department of Special Needs Education by Subject "Autism Spectrum Disorders"

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    Classroom Management Strategies for out- of-Seat Behaviour for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Special Schools, Embu County, Kenya.
    (Kenyatta University, 2022) Mutua, Abraham Gitonga; Joyce Ogogo
    The study sought to investigate classroom behaviour management strategies used in decreasing out- of- seat behaviour for learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders in special schools in Embu County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific Objectives: To investigate self-management strategies used for decreasing out-of-seat behaviour in learners with ASD, to establish visual support strategies used for decreasing out-of-seat behaviour in learners with ASD, to determine token economy strategies used for decreasing out-of-Seat behaviour in learners with ASD and to establish peer support strategies used for decreasing out-of-seat behaviour in learners with ASD. The study was anchored on the theory of Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which demonstrates the motivation of human needs acquired in different levels. The researcher used descriptive research design. The population that was targeted was 143 comprising of 25 head teachers, 48 teachers, 65 parents and 5 EARCS from 2 special schools and 23special units in Embu County. Purposive sampling was employed to select 5 head teachers, 32 teachers, 10 parents, and 5 EARCs translating to 62 respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the head teachers and teachers, whereas an interview schedule was used to collect data from parents/guardians and observation checklist was used to observe learners with autism spectrum disorders in class. Piloting was conducted in one special school to enhance validity and reliability of the research instruments. Data was analysed using frequencies and percentage and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 facilitated the analysis. Findings of the study revealed that most of the teachers used self-management techniques aimed at reducing out of seat behavior. The teachers and students were had a positive attitude about the techniques because they helped in reducing out -of -seat behavior. Most teachers strongly agreed that through majority of the children developed self- efficiency through observing what their peers do. Further, it was established that visual support materials encourages child engagement. The study concluded that the use of token economy strategy helps to modify behaviour among learners with ASD by increasing desirable behaviour while decreasing their undesirable behaviour. Support strategies play a significant role in behaviour change among children with ASD because the strategy enables them to come together, share experience and decide on solutions towards a common challenge. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education should put in place measures to ensure that timely and appropriate placement of SNE learners. In addition, the Ministry of Education should monitor and do capacity building such as in-service training of teachers to equip them with more skills and knowledge on SNE learners. In addition, the government should allocate extra funds to public primary special schools to help them procure materials for SNE learners to prepare the schools in implementation of SNE curriculum.