COMPETENCIES NEEDED FOR THE TEACHERS OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND LEARNERS IN AL BALQAA PROVINCE AREA SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying the competencies needed for the teachers who teach learners with visually impaired and blind. The study was conducted at schools within the area of Al Balqa province, in Jordan .To this end, the researcher developed a special tool consisting of (31) statements. The sample of the study consists of 120 teachers of both sexes. It was selected from 50 schools and special educational centers (public and Private) (30 primary schools, 20 secondary schools). The criteria for the research element selection were- the teacher is teaching at least one visually impaired student, the teacher is blind, poor vision, or sightedness. After the data had been collected, suitable statistical approaches were used to analyze the data. The result of the study revealed no relationship between the variables (sex, education level, experience, class level) and the competencies, but there was a marked difference in competencies due to the characteristics of the teachers. Furthermore, the results indicate a significant difference in the quality and quantity of competencies due to the teachers characteristics. This was in favor of the sighted teachers. As for the difference between the blind and poor sightedness, the result was in favor of the latter.                

Key words: competencies, teacher, visually impaired learners.    

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