The study of state and problems in educational provision for students
with learning special needs in vocational trainings for career

Chanisa Tantixalerm¹, Sirichan Sathirakul Tachaphahapong², Virut Kitnuntaviwat³,
Buntarika Bulpakd⁴, Watinee Amornpaisarnloet⁵, Dusida Tinmala⁶

¹chanisa.a@chula.ac.th

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the current status, problems and needs for learning provision of students with learning special needs in vocational trainings for career. The study comprised of two phases. Phase 1: Focus group meeting was conducted using structured interview protocols. There were three focus groups including polytechnic college directors, teachers from polytechnic colleges and parents of students with special learning needs. Phase 2: A pilot of short course training was implemented at polytechnic colleges. Students with learning special needs and their parents were invited to participate in this study. Observation forms of teachers and students were used to collect data. Results found that the short course training were flexible and various while these courses focus only on some vocational skills. Most teachers were experts in vocational skills. However, they needed more training in instructional skills for teaching students with special needs and more encouragement to have positive attitudes towards this group of students. There was a policy to enroll students with learning special needs to various vocational training programs; but most colleges had not provided an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The colleges were lacking of active collaboration among relevant organizations. The study also found that students with learning special needs and parents preferred to be included in vocational programs. However, many of them were worried about the adaptation to learning environment. They preferred to be in a vocational training course that prepared them for future careers, however, they would need an IEP.

Keywords: Special needs, Vocational training, Students with learning special needs