Mentoring by special needs educators as a possible solution for the problems experienced by mainstream educators in inclusive education

Abstract

This research study presents an investigation into mentoring by special needs educators as a possible solution for the problems experienced by mainstream educators in inclusive education. The methodology employed in this investigation include a literature study on the possible problems experienced by educators in the context of inclusive education and the support special needs educators might offer in this regard. It also embraces mentoring as a possible solution for problems experienced by mainstream educators in inclusive education. A qualitative opinion survey among mainstream educators, special needs educators and education officials was undertaken by means of qualitative open-ended interviews among 16 respondents in the Mangaung township area. The results of the survey were finally interpreted in terms of three research questions pertaining to the problem being investigated. The major conclusions the researcher has made was that there are many problems related to the implementation of inclusive education and that a mentoring system in which special needs educators serve as mentors for mainstream educators is a viable option for solving or easing these problems. Finally, a number of recommendations were formulated for a variety of stakeholders in inclusive education.