Stress and coping skills of educators with a learner with a physical disability in inclusive classrooms in the Western Cape

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Education systems are in a constant change, more so now in the post-modernglobal era that we live in. With change comes the stressors associated with it.Some of us are able to cope while others are unable. This thesis focuses on theeffect of stress on educators who have learners with physical disabilities in theirclassroom as well as the coping methods used by these educators to managethese learners in the classroom. Participants were five female educators fromdisadvantaged areas of the Western Cape. A qualitative research approach wastaken and the results indicate the following: Major stress experienced byeducators is caused by the fact that educators do not know how far to sustain, letalone challenge an active learning environment, because of lack of experienceand relevant in-service training relating to learners with physical disabilities. Itwas found that the nature of the disability and its severity influences the attitudesof the educators in inclusive practice. The absence of communication or ratherthe lack of information about the learner from the parent and other partiesinvolved caused stress amongst the participants. Participants identified thatimproving their self-esteem was one of the key coping methods in dealing withstress. It is clear that educators need some form collaborative support to knowthey are on the right path or in order to progress in the right direction.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University