MATHEMATICS EFFICACY AMONG STUDENTS WITH DYSCALCULIA IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS IN KANDARA SUB-COUNTY, MURANGA COUNTY, KENYA

The thrust of the study was to determine levels of mathematic efficacy among students with dyscalculia in public secondary in Kandara sub-county in Muranga County guided by Expectancy Theory (ET) of motivation developed in 1964 by Victor Vroom. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population for study was 54 Public secondary schools in Kandara Sub-County, out of the 54 targeted schools 7 public secondary schools were sampled for the study. The target respondents were 7 principals, 7 teachers of mathematics, 1 from each school and 125 students were sampled for dyscalculia screening. Research instruments included: questionnaire for mathematics students with dyscalculia, dyscalculia screening instrument, mathematics self -efficacy scale and documentary analysis. Pilot study was conducted in Gaichanjiru Mixed and Kenyoho Secondary schools in Kandara Sub-County, Murang’a County. The validity of research instruments which were used for this study were first tried in a pilot study which helped in clarification of ambiguities prevalent before data collection while the reliability of the research instruments in this study was determined using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient formula. The study used stratified random sampling and purposive sampling to select the schools, teachers and students with dyscalculia respectively. Data for the main study was collected and analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively (Mixed method research). Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 26.0), while qualitative analysis was done by organizing variables into themes. The study reveals that learners without dyscalculia exhibited high self-efficacy in mathematics while those with dyscalculia displayed low self-efficacy in mathematics. The researcher recommends that Students’ mathematics efficacy should be improved by inviting mentors or people who have succeeded in mathematical field to help boost their morale in the subject.  Article visualizations

Vocational self-concept and decision making self-efficacy of learners with visual impairment in Kenya

The aim of this research was to explore career information learners with visual impairment acquire from school to enable them develop vocational self-concept and career decision-making self-efficacy. It explored role of guidance and counselling in preparing learners for world of work from primary to university levels of education. The study adopted Career Development and Self-efficacy Theories as bases of exploration. Two standardized tools were used to assess development of these aspects. Pilot study was conducted to validate instruments, testing reliability for applicability with subjects in Kenya. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences for quantitative and Atlas Ti to code qualitative data. The major finding indicated a linear relationship between aspects implying that learners experienced increased development as they progressed in education. Other findings are explained in text. The findings affirmed need for comprehensive career guidance and counselling for learners with disabilities, culminating to suggested vocational development model.Inclusive EducationD. Ed. (Inclusive Education

Teachers’ Perception of Transition Preparedness by Learners with Physical Disabilities Towards Employment: Joytown, Joyland and Mombsasa Special Secondary Schools, Kenya

The study sought to find out teachers’ competency of transition preparedness by learners with physical disabilities (PD) towards employment: Joytown, Joyland and Mombasa Special Secondary Schools in Kenya. The descriptive survey research design was used to find out teachers competency of learners preparedness towards employment. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approaches where mixed method design was used to collect and analyze the data. The study was carried out in Joytown in Thika West, Kiambu County, Mombasa Secondary in Mombasa County and Joyland in Kisumu County.  Purposive sampling was used to select the three physically handicapped Special Secondary Schools, which were the earliest to be established by missionaries in Kenya. The piloting of the instruments was conducted in Joytown special school to form three learners and all teachers teaching form one and form three who were not included in the main study. Interview schedule was administered to administrators while the teachers and learners with physical disabilities filled the questionnaires. Self-efficacy theory was used to interpret dynamics specifically for teachers and learners with physical disabilities in the classroom. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze quantitative data while Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis System (CAQDAS) was used to analyze interview schedules. The importance of this study was to create awareness of preparedness by teachers to enable learners with physical disabilities to transit to employment enhanced by teachers’ teaching strategies, availability of resources and knowledge of pre-vocational activities that enhanced their perception towards learners with physical disabilities. After the findings, the researcher recommended that Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) should develop curriculum contents, which will suit the needs of learners with special needs including those with physical disabilities. The findings may enhance appropriate pre-vocational skills for learners with physical disabilities because it has a futuristic relevance, widens the scope of individual economic activities, and reduces the burden of dependency on others. Further, it hopes to provide educational planners and policy-makers with a framework on which policies can improve the quality of teaching special needs education hence facilitate transition preparedness to employment for learners with physical Keywords: Academic Qualification, Competency, Physical disabilities, Transition preparedness, Teachers professional Knowledge DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-18-24 Publication date:June 30th 202

REHABILITEES WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS’ CANE SKILLS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON INDEPENDENT TRAVEL IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of rehabilitees with visual impairment cane skills on their independent travel. The study was based on Bandura’s social cognitive learning theory. The researcher used a case study research design. The study was carried out at Kenya Institute for the Blind located in Nairobi County, Kenya. The target population was two orientation and mobility trainers and fifty rehabilitees with visual impairment who lost sight between the years 2011 and 2016 and who underwent rehabilitation at KIB. A purposive sampling technique was used to select KIB for the study. Snowball sampling technique was used to locate thirty-seven rehabilitees with visual impairment. Data was collected using questionnaires. The pilot study was conducted at Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind because of its similar characteristics in the admission of rehabilitees with visual impairment. The researcher ensured the content validity of the research instruments through discussion with supervisors and lecturers in the Department of early childhood and Special Needs Education. Quantitative data was gathered using questionnaires and processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented using tables. The findings revealed that mobility canes were the main device used at Kenya Institute for the Blind for orientation and mobility. Worldwide, canes were the most used device for orientation and mobility for individuals with visual impairment. In KIB, the device was limited in supply and not readily available. Cane skills were the most popular orientation and mobility techniques among rehabilitees in KIB. The study concluded that rehabilitees were not adequately trained since a substantial period of time has elapsed yet they have not indicated favourable independent travel to their places of work. Orientation and mobility training at KIB led to the acquisition of necessary skills relevant to independent travel of individuals with visual impairment. The study recommended that there is a need for Kenya Government to facilitate the production of cheap locally made long canes suitable for our Kenyan roads.  Article visualizations

Analysis of Interventions Teachers Use to Manage Learners with Selected Behavior Disorders in Primary Schools in Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya

Identification process is an important element of behavior disorder management in schools. For proper behavior management teachers need to identify learners with behavioral disorders in order to design intervention programs befitting their educational needs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the intervention strategies teachers used in managing learners with selected emotional and behavior disorders (EBDs) in primary schools in Madaraka zone. The objectives were; to establish effectiveness of assessment methods teachers used in identifying learners with selected behavior disorders and to explore intervention strategies teachers used in managing learners with selected behavior disorders. The study used descriptive research design which was appropriate since it enabled the researchers to describe the situation as it existed. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Simple random sampling was done to select four schools which participated in the study. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample size of 30 class seven teachers. Data from the research instruments was analyzed and presented descriptively. The study found that the assessment methods teachers used to identify learners with EBDs were not effective and that teachers in selected schools did not use effective intervention strategies to manage behavior for learners with EBDs. The study recommends that in-service training for teachers be done with a view of building capacity in the area of identification processes and that Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development to give guidelines on behavior disorder management. The significance of the study findings is that it could help stakeholders to come up with effective intervention strategies in managing learners with behavior disorders as well as add to the existing literature on learner disorders. Keywords:Emotional Behavior Disorders, Interventions, Learners, Teacher

ENHANCING ACCESS TO BRAILLE MATERIALS FOR OPTIMAL LEARNING AT KIBOS PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND, KISUMU COUNTY, KENYA

The purpose of this study was to determine the approaches to enhancing access to Braille materials for optimal learning at Kibos Primary School for the Blind. The study was guided by the main objective which was to determine the causes of the shortage of Braille materials at Kibos Primary School for the Blind. The study employed a case study research design with a target population comprising 26 teachers, one transcriber, a librarian, and a resource person. Census was used to acquire the needed information from the target population since it was small, and the researcher had no control. Interview schedules and questionnaires were administered to different groups of respondents. A pilot study was conducted in one of the primary schools for learners with visual impairment within the study area. Data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitively. Qualitative data was organized, reviewed and data coding system developed, data was assigned codes and recurring themes were identified and the results were presented in narratives, while quantitative data was analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17. The findings revealed that school enrollment of both male and female pupils was on the rise. However, the enrollment of male pupils was higher. The results also indicated that mathematics and science subjects were most affected by the shortage of braille learning materials. Among the identified causes of the shortage of Braille learning materials were: inadequate funding, regular change of syllabus, delay caused by producers of the materials, lengthy procurement procedures and increased admission of new learners with visual impairment. This study recommended that to enhance access to Braille learning materials at the school; the government should give adequate funds and build the capacity of the braille transcribers. The study was necessary since the government policy on education for all did not seem to cater adequately for Braille learning materials for learners with visual impairment.  Article visualizations

INFLUENCE OF MATHEMATICS BRAILLE PROFICIENCY ON MATHEMATICS PERFORMANCE AMONG LEARNERS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN SELECTED SPECIAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KENYA

The purpose of this paper is to report some of the findings of a study which investigated the influence of mathematics Braille proficiency on mathematics performance among learners with visual impairment in selected special secondary schools in Kenya. In this study, descriptive design was used with a sample size of 55 respondents comprising of head teachers, mathematics teachers and learners with visual impairment in two special secondary schools. The study respondents were purposively sampled. Findings on the level of mathematics braille proficiency possessed by learners with visual impairment; and the relationship between mathematics Braille skills and mathematics performance are reported. These findings demonstrate a very low level of mathematics Braille skills; and there was a significant positive relationship between mathematics braille proficiency and mathematics performance, particularly among touch readers. These findings confirmed that lack of mathematics braille proficiency contributed to poor mathematics performance. On the basis of these findings, some recommendations are provided. Article visualizations

BRAILLE LITERACY LEVELS AMONG LEARNERS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN KENYA

Effective education ensures that students are able to fully participate and benefit from it, regardless of whether they have impairments or not. Good vision is important for students at all stages of learning as it helps them reach their academic potential. It is paramount that students with visual impairment are proficient in Braille so that they are not disadvantaged academically since Braille remains their main medium of communication. Previous studies have ventured into academic performance of learners with visual impairment, however, nothing much is known about their Braille proficiency level. Braille reading tests were administered to forty-seven class eight and form four students in special schools for learners with visual impairments to establish their Braille literacy level. Semi structured interviews were used to solicit more information from four head teachers and a questionnaire used for sixteen teachers in the schools under study. Data was analyzed qualitatively along the common themes identified. The results established that Braille literacy level among primary school children was rather low. However, the case was quite different among high school students. There was no uniformity in the way schools arranged to teach their students Braille. Braille literacy could be improved if strategies were set to teach children with visual impairment Braille and ensure that they were proficient in it. Article visualizations

Disability and Identity

no abstract availabl

Connectedness and psychological well-being among adolescents of immigrant background in Kenya

Little—if anything—is known about the factors that contribute to the positive development and psychological functioning of adolescents of immigrant background in the African context. The present study addresses this knowledge gap by investigating the influence of parent and peer attachment, the sense of school belonging, and religious and ethnic identity on the psychological well-being of adolescents of Arab and Asian background in Kenya. The central research question is to what extent adolescent connectedness influences psychological well-being