%0 Journal Article
%T Assessing Primary School Teachers¡¯s Knowledge of Specific Learning Disabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | Alahmadi | Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology | CCSE
%A Mogeda El Sayed El Keshky
%A Nsreen A. Alahmadi
%J Home | Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology | CCSE
%D 2019
%R 10.5539/jedp.v9n1p9
%X PURPOSE: Children with Learning disabilities require exceptional attention from family, their social circle and teachers. Because moral support and learning are initiated in the school environment by teachers (Padmavathi & Lalitha, 2009), the aim of this study is to evaluate primary school teachers¡¯ knowledge about special learning disabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

MATERIAL & METHOD: A sample of 902 primary private and puplic school teachers from 78 schools across different regions of Saudi Arabia was selected using a convenience sampling technique. Teachers¡¯ knowledge about learning disabilities was surveyed electronically using a structured knowledge 40-item questionnaire on learning disabilities. A descriptive and quantitative approach was used to assess their knowledge. SPSS v21 was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: The study found that a majority of primary school teachers have average knowledge about specific learning disabilities. Consequently, teachers¡¯ range of knowledge has statistically significant impact on their level of knowledge. The study correspondingly shows a significant relationship between levels of knowledge and socio-demographic variables, but no statistically significant difference in the knowledge level of male and female teachers regarding learning disabilities.

CONCLUSION: Teachers do not have adequate knowledge regarding learning disabilities, and do not know what should be done when facing such issue. Teachers¡¯ knowledge about learning disabilities is insuficient, because their academic training did not include any courses about it. As a consequence, education lawmakers should arrange appropriate teacher training or structured learning programs regarding learning disability concepts, assessment, diagnosis and identification for such teachers
%U http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jedp/article/view/0/37471