The Impact of School Community Attitudes on Learning Efficacy among Learners with Physical Impairments in Public Regular Primary Schools: A Case Study of Kitui County, Kenya

Abstract

Learners with impairments have a right to a quality education in regular classrooms. Nevertheless, the learning efficacy of learners with physical impairments in public regular primary schools has been declining. The goal of this study was to investigate how psychosocial factors affect the learning effectiveness of learners who have physical impairments in public regular primary schools in Kitui County. The target population was 89,745 participants while sample size was 265 respondents. The data collection tools were limited to questionnaires, observation checklists, interview schedules and focus group discussions guide. Quantitate data was analyzed through descriptive methods while qualitative data was presented in narrative form. This publication details the results of an in-depth investigation into the relationship between school community attitudes and the learning efficacy among learners with physical impairments attending public regular primary schools in Kitui County. The study established that there was significant relationship between community attitudes and learning efficacy among learners with physical impairments whereby positive attitudes triggered high learning efficacy and vice versa. The study recommended robust programmes be put in place by ministry of education in collaboration with non-governmental organizations to spur positive change of attitudes among school community and to demystify stereotypes associated with physical impairments. The study also recommended teachers and peers in regular schools to appreciate and support learners with physical impairments in regular schools.