Challenges Encountered and Coping Strategies Used by Teachers in Implementing SPED Inclusive Education Program in Public Elementary Schools of Third Congressional District, Division of Quezon
Catlyn Quizana | Melchor Espiritu
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to ascertain the challenges encountered and coping strategies used by teachers in
implementing SPED inclusive education program in public elementary schools of the third congressional district
in the division of Quezon. It also covered the types of Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN), the
teaching strategies utilized by teachers, challenges encountered, and the coping strategies used by teachers to
address the challenges they encountered. This study used judgment or purposive sampling in choosing eight
teachers who implement the SPED inclusive education program in third congressional district of Quezon. This
study utilized qualitative research method and structured interview guide in gathering needed information to better
understand the challenges encountered and coping strategies that teachers used in implementing SPED inclusive
education program. It is revealed in the study that learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Dyslexia are the major types of learners with special educational needs that
are handled by teachers in SPED inclusive education program. The common teaching strategies that teachers use
when they instructing learners are the following: using visual aids, educational videos, positive reinforcement,
simplification of the lesson, consistent routines, peer tutoring, giving clear instructions, giving written handouts,
reading materials, repeated instructions, giving multiple examples, using individualized learning instructions,
cooperative and experimental learning. Majority of the teachers agreed that positive reinforcement is the best
teaching strategy in SPED inclusive education program by focusing on strengths, encouraging desired behaviors,
and fostering a positive learning environment, teachers can support the holistic development of the learners. When
it comes in the challenges, the following: dealing with behavioral problem of the LSEN, communication
challenge, lack of parental involvement, lack of materials, and dealing with chronic absenteeism are among the
challenges teachers encountered. Furthermore, the coping strategies used by teachers to address the challenges
they encountered are the following: using differentiated instructions, having emotional understanding,
professional development, positive instructions, being relaxed, seeking assistance and encouragement. Most of the
teachers stated that the best coping strategy for dealing with the challenges they faced is having emotional
understanding. Based from the results of the study, the researcher developed the intervention program, which is
advised to use as a support in better implementing SPED inclusive education programs for learners with special
educational needs.
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