The Experiences, Opinions and Suggestions of Special Education Teachers Regarding Leisure Activities Selected by Students with Intellectual Disability

Authors : Müzeyyen Eldeniz Çetin, Evgin Çay

Pages : 30-46

Doi:10.17275/per.20.3.7.1

View : 24 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 2020-02-19

Article Type : Research

Abstract :This study aimed to identify the teachers’ experiences, opinions and suggestions regarding the leisure time activities chosen by intellectually disabled students. Case study method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study, and the participants were selected through criterion sampling. A total of 25 teachers- 18 females and 7 males- took part in the study. Data was collected through open-ended questions and teacher diaries, and then it was analyzed descriptively. The findings of the study revealed that the teachers did not have any significant problems while teaching leisure time activities and their rules to students with intellectual disability, and the students enjoyed working both individually and as a group during those activities. The findings also indicated that some students wanted to start another activity without finishing the current one. In addition, the teachers stated that more educational activities were necessary, and they expected the government to provide the schools with such educational games and tools. It was also found out that the teachers used class hours to teach the leisure time activities chosen by the students, but they needed more time. Finally, they stated that they did not experience any trouble with the school administration with respect to those leisure time activities.
Keywords : intellectual disability, individual with intellectual disability, leisure time activity