Tactile materials as correlates of performance in mathematics among learners who are blind: The case of Thika high school for the blind, Kiambu County, Kenya

The purpose of the study was to assess the use of tactile materials as correlates of performance in Mathematics among learners in Thika High School for the Blind. The objectives were to: identify the tactile Mathematics materials used by teachers while teaching learners who are blind, explore the adequacy of the tactile teaching and learning materials, and identify the challenges that teachers face in adapting Mathematic tactile teaching materials. This study adopted social constructivism theory and used a case study research design. Target population was 85 respondents comprising 5 Mathematics teachers and 80 learners who are blind in the school. Purposive sampling technique was used to select Mathematics teachers while stratified random sampling was used to select the learners who are blind according to class and gender. Thereafter, simple random sampling was used to select 24 learners. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Quantitative data was collected, coded and organized. Data analysis was through descriptive summaries and correlational analyses. From the findings, most essential tactile materials for teaching Mathematics were not available in the school. Some teachers were not proficient in Braille Mathematics, thus a major hindrance for them to teach effectively. Many respondents recommended that the government should set aside more funds for Mathematic teaching and learning resources since their use in teaching was of uttermost importance. Therefore, this study recommends a need for the Ministry of Education to introduce AT courses in teacher training colleges. In addition, more time should be allocated in the school timetable for effective use of materials in teaching Mathematics to learners with visual impairment. Also, there is need for proper planning; preparation, presentation, appropriate application and essential follow up make the use tactile Mathematics materials ineffective by the teachers.