The extent of primary education teachers' knowledge of the nature of learning difficulties and the importance of early detection

Abstract

The significance of learning difficulties is highly recognized by various experts, including psychologists, educators, and special education specialists, as it impacts several aspects of an individual's life. In the psychological realm, it affects self-esteem and motivation for achievement, while in the educational field, it influences the learning process and may lead to academic failure.

In this study, the researchers aim to investigate elementary school teachers' understanding of learning difficulties and their perception of the importance of early detection. The researchers adopted a descriptive methodology and employed semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection tool, focusing on five main themes. The study's sample consisted of 20 elementary school teachers. The research findings revealed that elementary school teachers have a weak knowledge level of learning difficulties, scoring only 12.85%. Additionally, 27.61% of teachers emphasized the significance of early detection. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the need for enhancing teachers' knowledge of learning difficulties and emphasizes the importance of early detection to better support students facing such challenges in their learning journey.