Instructional Strategies in Adapted Physical Education for Learners with Cerebral Palsy In Special Units of Kirinyaga County, Kenya
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Date
2019
Authors
Maina, John Muturi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study analyzed instructional strategies used by Adapted Physical Education (APE)
teachers instructing learners with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in special units integrated to
primary schools in Kirinyaga County. The core objective was to assess the availability
of adapted PE facilities in the special units which enhance the implementation of APE.
The study also sought to establish the professional qualification of teachers
implementing APE in the special units. The study also aimed at analyzing the
challenges affecting participation of learners with CP and their teachers in APE in the
special units. The study utilized descriptive research design, employing survey method.
The target population consisted of teachers and learners of special units and the
respective head teachers of primary schools with special units in Kirinyaga County. A
census of all the personnel in 6 special units was carried out. They included a total of 19
respondents and all of them responded. The study utilized questionnaires/interview
schedules and observation guide to collect information. Data collected was analyzed
quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative data was analyzed in percentages and
presented in tables and charts with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Science
(SPSS), whereas the qualitative data was analyzed thematically using relationships of
variables. Some of the major fmdings of the study were that 86 % of teachers agreed
that adapted facilities were inadequate for use by learners with CP in APE, there were
no Para-professionals to assist teachers of special units with severe cases of CP, 83 % of
learners agreed the environment was not friendly and fmally all the head teachers
administering the schools with special units are not conversant with issues in SNE. This
study has highlighted important areas in the management of special units, and might
assist educators on how to strategize for better implementation of the adapted PE in
special units. In conclusion the study found out that APE was an important component
of special education that enhances participation of learners with CP in PE and therefore
needs special attention. To achieve this, adequate number of qualified teachers is
needed to implement the APE curriculum and that the major challenges facing the
implementation of the adapted PE curriculum have more to do with the provision of
facilities suitable for the learners with Cerebral Palsy and also in provision of a more
conducive learning environment. The study recommended that the government should
get more involved in the provision of facilities, equipment, trained personnel and an
appropriate curriculum for APE for learners with CP. The government should allocate
more funds to upgrade special units through provision of physical facilities and
employment of more teachers in order to make APE to be effective. Based on the study
findings; it is recommended that similar research could be carried out in other parts of
Kenya since types of disabilities may vary from one part of the country to another.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Fulfillment of the Degree of Master of Education in the School of Education, (Department of Special Needs Education) of Kenyatta University April,2019
Keywords
Instructional Strategies, Physical Education, Learners, Cerebral Palsy, Special Units, Kirinyaga County, Kenya