Assessing Teachers’ Knowledge of Intellectual Disability in Government and Private Primary Schools of Bhopal District
Author : Trapti Saraswat and Dr. Abhishek Shrivastava
Abstract :
Teachers’ knowledge is important in delivering inclusive and effective education as intellectual disability is a major developmental condition that affects a person’s cognitive functioning, adaptive behavior and learning abilities. The present study is an attempt to assess the level of knowledge regarding intellectual disability amongst teachers working in government and private primary schools of Bhopal District and to compare the level of understanding amongst the teachers working in different school settings. The study employed a descriptive comparative research design and primary data were collected from primary school teachers through a validated questionnaire. The t-test and One Way ANOVA were used to find the knowledge of teachers and to find the difference between government and private school teachers. The findings indicate that majority of the teachers have basic knowledge of intellectual disability but differ in their knowledge of characteristics, early identification, classroom management, instructional strategies and inclusive education practices of children with intellectual disabilities. Teachers with previous training or exposure to special education had relatively higher knowledge and confidence in supporting children with intellectual disabilities. The study recommends the implementation of continuous professional development programmes, specialized training and capacity-building initiatives to enhance teachers’ competencies in inclusive education. It further recommends that disability awareness and inclusive teaching practices should be included in pre-service and in-service teacher education programmes. Enhancing teachers’ knowledge will contribute to building inclusive classrooms, enhance educational outcomes for children with intellectual disabilities and promote equitable access to quality primary education.
Keywords :
Intellectual Disability, Teacher Knowledge, Primary School Teachers, Inclusive Education, Government Schools, Private Schools, Bhopal District.
