Personality traits of learners with special education needs : implications in an inclusive education setting

Abstract

An American study used the High School Personality Questionnaire (HSPQ) as a predictive tool when placing learners in special classes. The personality characteristics of these learners were found to have a pervasive influence on learning. As the policy regarding the provision of education in South Africa has changed, with the emphasis on the accommodation of all learners in one inclusive education system,· further study of the personality traits of South African learners with special education needs was deemed necessary, before devising classroom management strategies that could be employed within an inclusive education system. This study provides the results of a literature and an empirical investigation into the personality traits of learners with special education needs. The educational implications are addressed, with specific reference to the education of learners with special education needs in an inclusive education system, and practical strategies for educators, parents and the Educational Psychologist are presented.