Experiences of adult learners with visual impairment in adult education programme: A case of upper primary phase in Omusati region, Namibia
Loading...
Date
2020
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of the adult learners with visual impairment of Adult Upper Primary Education (AUPE) programme in the
Omusati Region. This research emanated from the assumption that a study is needed to inform stakeholders on how the AUPE programme may be implemented to provide inclusive and accessible quality education to the adult learners with visual impairment. Ten (10) adult learners with visual impairment volunteered to participate in this study. A multistage sampling of purposive sampling and intrinsic case sampling was employed to select a desired sample. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and naturalistic observations. Using the interpretative phenomenological analysis method, data was grouped and categorised into themes to form meaningful patterns of the study findings. The study found the learning environment to be unconducive in several ways: (a) the programme lacked assistive devices and learning materials; (b) the relevant offices (i.e. district, regional and national offices) were not supportive enough of the literacy centres; and (c) the learners' challenges outweighed the best practices, elsewhere. The study recommended to turn the presented challenges into opportunities for the program to provide quality, inclusive education to adult learners with visual impairment. It recommended future research on the assessment of the quality assurance of the adult literacy programme. It also recommended further study on the quality of life and livelihood for adult learners with visual impairment who completed the adult literacy programme.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education (Inclusive Education)
Keywords
Visual impairment