CHALLENGES IN PROVIDING EQUITABLE EDUCATION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES IN ZIMBABWE: TEACHERS’ EXPERIENCES.

<p>This study examines the challenges primary school teachers in Zimbabwe face when supporting students with learning disabilities (LDs). Many learners with LDs are excluded from adequate classroom support due to systemic, cultural, and resource limitations. Learning disabilities are often under-recognized as compared to other disabilities because they are invisible. Raising awareness and empowering educators are crucial steps toward addressing these hidden needs and ensuring they are recognized and met. Six teachers were interviewed using a qualitative ethnographic approach. Findings reveal obstacles, including insufficient training in special education, limited teaching resources, high pupil-teacher ratios, negative societal attitudes, and poverty-related constraints. Additional barriers include the exclusive use of English as the medium of instruction, a rigid curriculum, reliance on traditional teaching methods, and restricted access to technology. The study concludes that improving teacher preparation, expanding resource provision, fostering positive attitudes, and integrating socio-cultural values are essential to advancing equitable education for students with LDs. These insights may guide policymakers and educational leaders in designing more inclusive policies.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D. Doctor of Education

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation - Public Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Teaching and Learning

Year dc:date.available

2025

Author dc:creator

• Madzinga, Joyce

Contributors dc:contributor

• Terry Smith
• Blanca Gamez-Djokic
• Katie Zila

• Learning disabilities
• inclusion
• resources
• cultural beliefs
• disability models
• linguistic
• socioeconomic
• empower
• challenges.
• Disability and Equity in Education
• Education
• Educational Methods
• Elementary Education
• Elementary Education and Teaching
• Gender Equity in Education
• Special Education and Teaching
• Teacher Education and Professional Development

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/940

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.nl.edu:diss-2008