https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68951 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:29:57 GMT 2026-04-19T15:29:57Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/81364 Title: Children with special educational needs : parents’ involvement in their education : a study in Italy and Malta Abstract: There are numerous advantages and positive influences that the role of parents play in education. The current study examines how parents, in Italy and Malta, are involved in the education of their children with Special Educational Needs. A qualitative methodology was used to gather the real life experiences of four Maltese and four Italian parents, whose children attend secondary school. An inductive process was used, face to face interviews conducted and open ended questions asked. Thematic analysis revealed the various opportunities that parents get involved in. The analysis seeks to contribute towards an understanding of how such parents are involved. Results were drawn and a model for parental involvement with regards to Parents with Special Educational Needs was suggested. Description: M.ACCESS ED. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/81364 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/69026 Title: The experiences of MCAST lecturers when dealing with students with specific learning difficulties Abstract: Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) are a significant educational issue that teachers or lecturers are regularly facing in their classroom. This research study looked into the perceptions, knowledge, and awareness of eight Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) lecturers vis-à-vis students with SpLD, dyslexia in particular, in a Higher Education (HE) context which is also a vocational college. It also addressed the training, policies, and practices concerning the professionals to ensure better education and support to students with SpLD within a HE setting. Individual audio-recorded semi-structured interviews were used to collect data that were analysed using thematic analysis. The results indicate that participants are aware and possess basic knowledge and understanding regarding SpLD individuals, thus helping them formulate lesson plans while keeping in mind the skills and needs of each student. This study is important because of limited research conducted in this context. A limitation of the study is that it focuses only on MCAST lecturers, and so has a narrow research scope. The way forward identified is to provide “hands-on” training and workshops focusing on “actual” strategies that can be used in class to ensure a positive learning experience for all students. Recommendations elicited from the data also include the need for training modules designed to increase teachers’ awareness regarding the needs of students having SpLD, particularly dyslexia. Apart from this, access to updated practical guidance and advice on dyslexia increase the efficacy of classroom teaching and students’ learning and performance. Description: M.ACCESS ED. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/69026 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z