Experiences of pedagogical and institutional support of students with disabilities in laboratory related courses at Walter Sisulu University: a case of Butterworth Campus.
Date
2018
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Abstract
Globally, the number of students with disabilities entering higher education
institutions continue to be on the rise. In South Africa, during the apartheid
government, access into the education system for students with disabilities was
limited. Although the South African education system after-1994 has the power
and potential to improve engagement of students with disabilities in higher
education institutions, challenges remain. Mostly, the greatest barriers faced by
students with disabilities within higher education institutions is pedagogical and
physical access in laboratory-related courses is of concern. This study is
underpinned by the Social Model of disability, as postulated by Hodkinson &
Devarakonda, who defined disability as an action of a dynamic interaction between
humans and their surroundings. The study focused on the pedagogical
experiences of students with disabilities and the extent to which they received
institutional support whilst attending laboratory-related courses at the Butterworth
Campus of Walter Sisulu University. The study was located within an interpretive
research paradigm and employed qualitative data production methods. Purposive
sampling was undertaken and ten students with disabilities, who were registered
for laboratory-based courses, and four laboratory technicians, who worked in the
laboratory facilities at the Butterworth Campus, were selected. Data analysis was
produced from in-depth interviews. Data from audio-taped interviews were
transcribed verbatim before analysis. The findings of the study highlights that the
university needs to be more supportive and accommodative in order to provide a
diverse learning environment. It is envisaged that this study will inform the future
architectural design of laboratories to accommodate students with disabilities so
that they too may experience positive teaching and learning on the campus.
Description
Master Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.