Solomon ET, Luger R, Ned L. Experiences of teachers in
vocational programmes in special needs schools, City of Cape Town.
Afr J Disabil 2024;
13:1333. [PMID:
38628956 PMCID:
PMC11019031 DOI:
10.4102/ajod.v13i0.1333]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background
Vocational programmes run by teachers in the special needs school context can play a significant role in the vocational development of learners with severe intellectual disability (SID). This study aimed to answer the question 'what are the challenges faced by teachers in the implementation of vocational programmes in selected public special needs schools for learners with SID in the Metropolitan (Metro) District within the City of Cape Town?'
Objectives
The objectives were to describe the challenges as perceived by participants, to highlight common and contrasting challenges in the different schools and to share recommendations on support needed.
Method
A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling strategies was used to select six teachers from six special needs schools. One-on-one semi-structured interviews with teachers were performed. An interview schedule was used as a tool and all interviews were transcribed and translated into English verbatim. Thematic analysis was applied.
Results
The findings showed that teachers encounter inadequate resources, a lack of training, and poor support systems. This study highlights the issues of existing policy and the lack of a mandatory policy on vocational programmes in South Africa.
Conclusion
The participants' experiences added to the existing literature by providing valuable insights into the obstacles teachers encounter in this relatively new curriculum. A multifaceted policy framework that is well funded and implemented is much needed to address the challenges identified.
Contribution
The findings may contribute to the development and strengthening of policies on vocational programmes within the South African context.
Collapse