Assessment of knowledge level on learning disability among primary school teachers

Abstract

Background: Learning disability (LD) is one of the major causes of poor scholastic backwardness. Undetected and unmanaged specific LDs result in chronic scholastic backwardness ensuing school dropouts, emotional and behavioral problems such as depression, substance abuse and social delinquency. Since teachers are the ones who first encounter academic difficulties of children, their knowledge and training on LD is of utmost importance in identifying it at an initial stage and to prevent further mental and social damage. This study is to assess the knowledge level of primary school teachers on learning disability.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among government primary school teachers of Malappuram district, Kerala from April 16, 2018 to May 20, 2018.Convenient sampling method was adopted. The study sample consisted of 709 primary school teachers from 21 schools in Malappuram district of Kerala and the teacher’s knowledge level on learning disability was assessed using a questionnaire.Results: Even though majority of the teachers had some knowledge about the outcome and treatment of learning disability, they lack sufficient knowledge about its concepts and causes and it is grossly insufficient for its practical application in the class room.Conclusions: There is a need to improve the knowledge of primary school teachers on LD and to enhance their basic skills in recognizing learning disability at the earliest. This is very important for the management of these children by introducing and applying the appropriate remedial measures on time. This can go a long way in improving the quality of learning among children with poor scholastic performance.