Mentoring by special needs educators as a possible solution for the problems experienced by mainstream educators in inclusive education

[摘要] This research study presents an investigation into mentoring by special needseducators as a possible solution for the problems experienced by mainstreameducators in inclusive education.The methodology employed in this investigation include a literature study on thepossible problems experienced by educators in the context of inclusive educationand the support special needs educators might offer in this regard. It also embracesmentoring as a possible solution for problems experienced by mainstream educatorsin inclusive education. A qualitative opinion survey among mainstream educators,special needs educators and education officials was undertaken by means ofqualitative open-ended interviews among 16 respondents in the Mangaung townshiparea.The results of the survey were finally interpreted in terms of three research questionspertaining to the problem being investigated. The major conclusions the researcherhas made was that there are many problems related to the implementation ofinclusive education and that a mentoring system in which special needs educatorsserve as mentors for mainstream educators is a viable option for solving or easingthese problems. Finally, a number of recommendations were formulated for avariety of stakeholders in inclusive education.

[发布机构] University of the Free State