Instructional Strategies of Special Needs Education Teachers

AUTHOR(S)

JOLINA MARTINEZ PRESLY DE VERA

ABSTRACT

— This study investigated the instructional strategies employed by Special Needs Education (SNED) teachers in the 6th Congressional District of Pangasinan and examined their relationship with teacher demographics. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, the study assessed the implementation of five key strategies: Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), speech instruction, behavioral strategies, occupational therapy (OT)-based approaches, and psychosocial interventions. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 52 SNED teachers using stratified random sampling. Statistical tools such as mean, ANOVA, ttests, and Pearson correlation were applied to analyze the data. Findings revealed a consistently high level of implementation across all strategies, with speech instruction receiving the highest mean score, followed closely by OT-based approaches and psychosocial interventions. Significant differences were observed in strategy implementation based on age, sex, educational attainment, and teaching experience. However, correlation analysis showed that educational attainment and length of service had statistically significant positive relationships with strategy implementation, particularly in speech instruction, while age and sex were not significantly correlated. The study concluded that SNED teachers actively use a diverse set of instructional methods, guided by evidence-based practices and professional training. It also emphasized the role of educational attainment and experience in enhancing instructional competence. The findings underscore the need for sustained professional development, resource support, and mentorship programs to maintain effective teaching practices in special education. This research contributes to strengthening inclusive education by informing school leaders and policymakers of the contextual needs and competencies of SNED teachers. Keywords — Special Needs Education, Instructional Strategies, Inclusive Education, SPED Teachers, Teaching Approaches, Behavioral Interventions, Occupational Therapy, Speech Instruction