Development of Distance Training Packages for Teachers on Providing for Learners with Special Needs
Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Thailand
ABSTRACT
The purposes of this research were to (1) survey the teacher’s needs for knowledge on learning management for learners with special needs; (2) develop a distance training package on learning management for learners with special needs and verify its efficiency; (3) compare knowledge scores of teachers before and after using the distance training package; and (4) study teachers’ opinions toward the distance training package. This was a research and development study. The research sample consisted of 86 teachers for the survey, and 39 teachers for verification of its efficiency and study of its effects in terms of teachers knowledge and opinions. The employed research instruments comprised (1) a questionnaire on the needs for knowledge on provision of education for learners with special needs (2) a distance training package on learning management for learners with special needs, (3) a learning achievement test, and (4) a questionnaire on opinions toward the distance training package. Data were analyzed using the E1/E2 efficiency index, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and content analysis. The findings of the research were as follows: (1) The teachers expressed their top priority needs for knowledge on learning management for learners with learning disability, mental retardation, and autism, followed by the needs for knowledge on special education research, and learning management for learners with physical and health impairment, respectively; (2) The distance training package was composed of the distance training document on learning management for learners with special needs and a manual for using the distance training package. The efficient was at 79.50/81.35; (3) The post-test mean score was significantly higher than their pre-test mean score at the .05 level; and (4) The trainees viewed that the distance training package was appropriate at the highest level. The result of this research had achieved the research objectives.
KEYWORDS
Teacher, special education, distance training