In special schools for severely mentally handicapped Indian children the class teacher has to assess each pupil's level of language functioning before he can devise an effective language intervention programme to suit the pupil's individual needs. Generally, class teachers are not sufficiently trained to administer such language assessments themselves. The aim of this study was to formulate scientifically sound guidelines according to which class teachers can administer their language assessments. In order to formulate such guidelines, an investigation was undertaken on the phenomenon of mental handicap and the characteristics of severely mentally handicapped pupils. Attention was focussed on language and normal language acquisition before the language of the severely mentally handicapped was examined in detail. On the basis of these findings, guidelines were suggested to the class teacher for the assessment of language in the education of severely mentally handicapped Indian pupils in the Durban area. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Orthopedagogics)

In special schools for severely mentally handicapped Indian children the class teacher has to assess each pupil's level of language functioning before he can devise an effective language intervention programme to suit the pupil's individual needs. Generally, class teachers are not sufficiently trained to administer such language assessments themselves. The aim of this study was to formulate scientifically sound guidelines according to which class teachers can administer their language assessments. In order to formulate such guidelines, an investigation was undertaken on the phenomenon of mental handicap and the characteristics of severely mentally handicapped pupils. Attention was focussed on language and normal language acquisition before the language of the severely mentally handicapped was examined in detail. On the basis of these findings, guidelines were suggested to the class teacher for the assessment of language in the education of severely mentally handicapped Indian pupils in the Durban area. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Orthopedagogics)

The purpose of this study was to assess school-based psycho-educational support to parents of children with learning impairments and how the parents' needs differ according to the age of the child, the severity of the learning impairment and the educational status of the parent. The study presents a literature review of the neuro-physiological origin of learning impairments, cognitive development, common problems experienced by children with learning impairments, the effects on the family of having a child with learning impairments and an overview of school support services in South Africa. A survey study was used. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire. The results of the study showed that parents need to be equipped with knowledge and skills irrespective of the age of the child, the severity of the learning impairment, the number of years the child has been in special school and the educational status of the parents. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

The purpose of this study was to assess school-based psycho-educational support to parents of children with learning impairments and how the parents' needs differ according to the age of the child, the severity of the learning impairment and the educational status of the parent. The study presents a literature review of the neuro-physiological origin of learning impairments, cognitive development, common problems experienced by children with learning impairments, the effects on the family of having a child with learning impairments and an overview of school support services in South Africa. A survey study was used. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire. The results of the study showed that parents need to be equipped with knowledge and skills irrespective of the age of the child, the severity of the learning impairment, the number of years the child has been in special school and the educational status of the parents. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)