Abstract
M.Ed. (Curriculum Studies)
The unique and lived problems of beginner teachers in special
education have not been adequately addressed in past research in this
country. A need was therefore identified for an in-service training
course catering specifically for beginner teachers in special
education. A qualitative research approach was used to conduct a study in which
problems of beginner teachers in special education were identified by
means of focus interviews. The teachers who partook in this inquiry
were also required to write naive sketches on their lived experiences
related to the problems identified. The target groups consisted of
beginner teachers from schools. in the Johannesburg and East Rand
areas.
Data obtained was analysed according to a specific protocol. From
information obtained, guidelines for the design of an in-service
training programme for beginner teachers in special education were
formulated. Finally recommendations are made concerning various aspects related
to the design and implementation of the abovementioned in-service
training programme. Recommendations concerning future research are
also included.