An Analysis of Approaches Used to Train Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders Human Occupation Skills in Selected Special units, Mombasa County, Kenya
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Date
2019-01
Authors
Mange;, Daniel Mbirithi
Otieno, Macmbinji Vincent
Mjomba, Ndung’u Lewis
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Society for Research on the Education of Adults (ASREA)
Abstract
This study aimed at finding out the instructional strategies used to train learners with autism
spectrum disorders (ASD) human occupation skills. It was intended to establish whether teachers
of children with ASD have adequate knowledge and skills to determine the educational needs of
learners with ASD. It also investigated the existing instructional methods used in educating
children with ASD human occupation skills, and established the level of awareness among
teachers on the characteristics of learners with ASD. The stud employed quantitative approach.
The target population was 435 respondents, 90 teachers and 345 learners with special needs. The
sample comprised of 15 teachers and 30 pupils. Questionnaires were used to collect data from
teachers. The researcher used an observation checklist to check the approaches used by teachers
in training human occupations and characteristics exhibited by learners with ASD. Content
validity will be determined by experts in the field of special needs. The tools were piloted in
special units in Kilifi County, Kenya to determine their reliability. Data collected was analyzed
using descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
Data was presented in graphs and tables. The study also found out that majority of the teachers
preferred using Individualized Education Plan to train learner in human occupation skills.
Further, the study found out that there were inadequate teachers trained in human occupation
skills as well as managing learners with autism. The study found out that majority of the learners
with autism had echolalia and lack of control of emotion and throwing tantrums. The study
recommends that Ministry of Education Science & Technology should employ more teachers
trained in Special Needs Education in special schools, review curriculum for teacher training
colleges to inculcate management for learners with specific conditions such as ASD and more inservice training on special needs teachers regarding approaches for training learners with ASD.
Description
A Research Article in Journal of Popular Education in Africa
Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorders, Human Occupations, Instructional Strategies
Citation
Mange, D.M; Otieno, M. V & Mjomba, N. L. (2018). An Analysis of Approaches Used to Train Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders Human Occupation Skills in Selected Special units, Mombasa County, Kenya. Journal of Popular Education in Africa. 3(1), 4 – 21.