Challenges Faced by Physically Disabled Students in Learning Mathematics

Abstract

This study entitled "Challenges faced by physically disabled students in learning mathematics''. The objectives of this study were to find out the areas of challenges of physically disabled students in learning mathematics and to find out the causes of challenges to physically disabled students while learning mathematics. This study was based on the case study which is qualitative in nature. This study was conducted with the sample of four physically disabled students of grade X selected from Shree Khagendra New Life Special Education Foundation –Jorpati Kathmandu and those samples were selected purposively. Classroom observation form and in-depth interview with students, mathematics teacher head teacher were used as the data collection tools to collect data. Similarly, face to face in-depth interview of students, mathematics teachers, and head teachers were also taken as the source of data to analyze challenges faced by physically disabled students in learning mathematics. Based on reviewed literature and different concepts of theories and data had been analyzed and interpreted to explore the causes of challenges faced by physically disabled students. Similarly, it was also found that critical learning environment of school, mismatched spoken language, less classroom participation, irregularity, lack of parental involvements in the school, lack of time in class activities and teaching method have emerged as major causes behind the challenges in learning mathematics for physically disabled students. The finding of this study shows that, there is negative attitude, beliefs and less interest of physically disabled students on mathematics learning. The school infrastructure (school environment) is not supportive for learning mathematics. And, physically disabled students have no sufficient time for learning mathematics in classroom. This study also shows that the guardian and parents of the physically disabled students have not regularly contacted on their children's study at school.