The use of educational resources in teaching learners with deafblindness (ldb) - a case of selected primary school in Dar Es Salaam City Tanzania

Abstract

This study investigated the use of educational resources in teaching LDB. The use of educational resources in teaching helps LDB in academic performance, independent and social interaction. Involvement of LDB in teaching and the use of educational resources seem to be low in Dar es Salaam City in Tanzania. The study applied qualitative research approach and case study design. Research paradigm applied was critical or transformative. The target population included teachers of LDB (N=8), head teacher (N=1) and LDB (N=15). Out of the target population the sample selected comprised teachers (N=4), head teacher (N=1) and LDB (N=15). Purposive and saturated sampling techniques were used to get the sample needed. Interview guides and observation checklists were used for collecting data. Data were analyzed using content and thematic means. One of the findings is that teachers` role is important in different ways in the promotion of the use of educational resources in teaching and learning of LDB. That, teachers do this when they are creative, proactive and capable of producing educational resources. Another finding is that, well trained teachers have the ability, capability and skills in guiding learners in the different ways of using a variety of educational resources available. The last finding is that, there is serious lack of funding by government to promote successful teaching and learning of LDB in the use of educational resources. The study provides clear and precise conclusions in line with the study objectives and study topic. One of the conclusions is that, the school management committee (SMC) has the responsibility to support teachers to be creative, pro-active and capable of providing relevant educational resources that motivate and promote teaching and learning of LDB. Another conclusion is that, well trained teachers are able and capable of guiding, supporting and promoting the ways LDB can use educational resources successfully in their learning. Last, but not least, it is concluded that easy success in the teaching and learning of LDB currently face formidable challenges that hinder successful implementation and effective use of educational resources These include: inadequate funding, inadequate knowledge and skills by teachers of LDB, inadequate educational resources and large number of learners per teacher. The study therefore provides the following recommendations: first, school management should support teachers to be creative, pro-active and capable of producing relevant educational resources and should be trained to gain update skills of using educational resources for the teaching and learning of LDB. LDB. Dar es Salaam city authority (DCA) together with the SMC should collaborate to train more teachers for the good of LDB. The SMC should improve the school environment for better teaching and learning of LDB. The SMC should procure modern tactile educational resources and train teachers on how to use them to support teaching and learning teaching of LDB. and learning. The SMC should conduct regular awareness workshops to reduce negative attitudes towards LDB. The use of educational resources for LDB should be adopted as part of teachers’ competences in teaching LDB. SMC should compel teachers to maximize use of educational resources for LDB. Government, through the Ministry of Education Science and Technology should address the current challenges affecting successful teaching and learning of LDB by allocating enough fund. These challenges include: inadequate funding, inadequate knowledge by teachers of LDB, inadequate educational resources and large number of learners that teachers handle per class.