A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on the Level of Knowledge of Teachers Regarding Learning Disabilities among School Children

Abstract

Introduction: The learning disability is a general term thatrefers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by a significant difficulty in acquisition or use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning and mathematical abilities. Disorders are intrinsic to the individual, presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction, and may occur across the life span. The problems of self-regulatory behaviour, social perception or social interaction may exist with the learning disabilities. A descriptive study was carried out at St. Luke’s Hospital, ‘A study to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on the level of knowledge of teachers regarding learning disabilities among school children in St. Xavier’s School, Shrirampur’. Methodology: Data was collected from 30 samples who were selected by simple random sampling method and who met the inclusion criteria. The self-prepared and content validated structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. Result: 63% of samples were females and remaining 37% were males. 53% of teachers were above 36 years, 13% of teachers were 31–35 years and 34% were 25–30 years. 67% of teachers were Christians, 27% were Hindus and only 6% were Muslims and of other religions. 64% of teachers were married and 33% were single and only 3% were divorced and no one was separated. 57% of teachers were postgraduates and above, 20% were diploma holders, 13% teachers were TTC, whereas only 10% were undergraduates. 44% of teachers were having less than 5 years of experience, 30% were having more than 15 years of experience, 13% teachers were having 6–10 years of experience and only 13% were having 11–15 years of teaching experience. 43% of selected teachers belonged to secondary section, 40% belonged to primary section and only 17% were from pre-primary section. Monthly income of 44% teachers was from Rs. 3000 to 5000, 30% teachers were earning Rs. 5000–10000/-, 23% teachers received Rs. 10000–20000/- salary, and 3% teachers’ monthly income was above Rs. 20000/-. The residential status of teachers is, about 43% of them resided in semi-urban areas, 30% of teachers resided in urban area and 27% of teachers resided in rural areas. Summary: According to pre- and post-test, researchers found that 13.5% teachers had average knowledge, 73% teachers had good knowledge and 13.5% teachers had excellent knowledge regarding learning disabilities among children. Conclusion: The study concluded that teachers had less level of knowledge regarding learning disabilities among children before structured teaching programme. The effectiveness of structured teaching programme was seen in post-test, it was concluded that teachers gained adequate knowledge about learning disabilities among children.