Effectiveness of Awareness Program in Raising Teachers Awareness about Learning Disabilities

Effectiveness of Awareness Program in Raising Teachers Awareness about Learning Disabilities

??Learning Disabilities is a term associated with difficulties in reading, writing, doing Maths and motor coordination. Awareness about learning disabilities is required for early identification and further remediation. A learning disability in a child can be identified as early as in toddler stage. Teachers are the first ones , usually to suspect a learning disability in a child. For appropriate observation and referrals for further assessment , a teacher should be aware of the various characteristics of learning disabilities which differs from individual to individual. Literature says that there is need of raising the awareness of teachers about learning disabilities and its various etiological factors. Awareness program could help in enhancing the knowledge of teachers in this regard. The current study was organised with an aim of conducting an awareness program to raise teachers knowledge about learning disabilities. 20 teachers, teaching in a Government school in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala was selected for the study. A pre experimental study pre post without control was designed. The intervention package was framed with comprehensive information about the concept, characteristics, kinds, signs, symptoms, strategies and guidelines for early identification. The awareness of the teachers prior to and post intervention was assessed using a semi structured questionnaire. The effectiveness of the awareness program was gauged using statistical analysis. The findings of the study proved that the knowledge of the teachers about learning disabilities has significantly increased post intervention. The knowledge level was shifted from moderate level, prior to intervention to high level post intervention. The feedback from the teachers ascertained that the program was very useful and interesting. Awareness programs of similar kind are recommended in a broader spectrum.

Krishna Rugmini

Social Work