asked the Minister for Education if his attention has been drawn to a statement by a senior psychologist (details supplied) who claimed that many mentally handicapped children grew up without being able to count because of ineffective teaching methods which pupils and teachers find boring; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Education of Mentally Handicapped.
51.
I am aware of a very brief newspaper report on the matter from which it is not possible to draw any definite conclusion as to the evidence for the claim or the perceived extent of the alleged problem. No copy of the full address has been furnished to me. No copy of the address or of any research supporting it has been furnished to my Department. In these circumstances I cannot comment on the statement.
In regard to the education of children with mental handicap, the type of learning experiences which is presented to them in mathematics will depend on many factors such as the age and attainment level of the individual child and the degree of learning disability involved.
Taking into account all the factors involved, I am satisfied that teaching methods generally are effective and that teachers employ a variety of methods to stimulate interest and understanding.