Influence of Self-Image on Learning Efficacy among the Learners with Physical Impairments in Public Regular Primary Schools in Kitui County

Abstract

Learners with physical impairments have a right to quality education within regular schools. However, learning efficacy among learners with physical impairments in regular public schools has been on a downward trajectory. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out how self-image affected learning efficacy among learners with physical impairments in regular public primary schools in Kitui County. Correlational and phenomenological research designs were triangulated to give a unified perspective of the study. A mixed research methodology whereby quantitative and qualitative data were concurrently collected was applied. The target population was 89,745 participants, which included 56,875 learners, 2,607 teachers, 30,221 parents and guardians and 42 curriculum support officers. Purposive sampling techniques were used in identifying the sample of the study. The sample size was 265 respondents comprising 162 teachers, 51 learners with physical impairments, 47 parents of the learners with physical impairments and 5 Special Needs Curriculum Support Officers. Data collection tools were questionnaires, an interview schedule, observation checklists and a focused group discussion guide. Quantitative data were computed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25, and results were analysed through descriptive methods and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and presented in narrative form. From the findings, the researcher established that there was a significant relationship between self-image and learning efficacy among learners with physical impairments in regular schools. Poor self-image among the learners with physical impairments triggered by negative attitudes and stereotypes from the school community were impediments to the learning efficacy among the learners with physical impairments. The study recommended educational psychologists, special needs curriculum support officers and teachers to spearhead psychological makeups among the learners with physical impairments to appreciate themselves and improve their learning efficacy