Perspectives of Teachers on the Teaching of Learners with Dyslexia at Intermediate Phase in Mainstream Primary Schools

Abstract

The inclusion of learners with dyslexia in mainstream primary schools requires the provision of a least-restrictive teaching and learning environment which celebrates the uniqueness of all individuals. In view of this, the purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of teachers in teaching dyslexic learners at the intermediate phase in mainstream primary schools. A qualitative research approach was utilised in the study. This offered participants an opportunity to freely reveal their opinions on the phenomenon under investigation. The population for this study comprised teachers who taught classes with both dyslexic and non-dyslexic learners at the intermediate phase. Purposive sampling was used to select twenty-four teachers with a minimum of three years of teaching experience from the eight schools under study. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from the research participants. Data were analysed thematically. The study established that dyslexic learners face diverse reading, writing and arithmetic challenges and these affect their overall academic performance. The study recommends that teachers should consider the preferred learning styles of individuals with dyslexia in their planning and delivery of academic content.