Issues and Challenges of Teaching and Learning Special Education Program Students in The Inclusive Education Subject : Case Studies

Abstract

Challenges faced by Special Education teachers require approaches which are able to lessen the burden shouldered by them. These teachers strive to achieve the goals of Malaysia Education Ministry, the Zero Reject Policy, which is to accept all students that enrolled in schools. The implementation of these programs needs the expertise of special education teachers to ensure their success. This situation burdens special education teachers whom are directly responsible for the development of students with special needs. These individuals are the ones whom execute the curriculum and are essential in the accomplishment of positive results for students with special needs. Therefore, this research is done in order to strengthen the knowledge of special education teacher, so that they are prepared for any future struggles in their line of work. Professional practices that are carried out in the PISMP program, IPGM are the foundation in giving future special education teacher the exposure to the real life challenges to be faced as the educators in Special Need education in schools. This case study follows two trainee teacher which is undergoing their practicum in Sekolah Kebangsaan Coronation Park, Ipoh, Perak. Observations, interviews and documents researching are used in this study. This specific school offers mainstream school programs and special education program, which is the Inclusive Education. These two trainee teacher majors in special education, and minor in mathematics. As teachers whom are minoring in mathematics, they are required to teach the subject in the mainstream school program. The class which they are teaching are to involve the special needs students which are enrolled in mainstream classes. The findings of this study shows the strength and weaknesses of the teachers involved. These educators that are involved in inclusive education have the basics of special education knowledge. The results also highlights the issues and challenges faced by these trainee teacher in the whole duration of their 3 months practicum. The drawbacks faced during the research can be made as reference and guidelines for the further improvement of future programs.