Learning Braille at Higher Education Level: Exploring the Perception of Prospective Special Education Teachers

Purpose: Braille learning is important for teaching students with visual impairment. This study intended to seek the perception of pre-service teachers who obtain degree in special education with the compulsion of learning Braille.Design/Methodology/Approach: This was exploratory and qualitative research. The Sample of study included pre-service teachers (N = 21) studying at higher education level. Convenient sampling technique was used to collect data for this study. A self-developed semi-structured interview protocol was instrument to collect data. The validity of the instrument was assured by the expert opinion (N=03). The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed through an extensive literature review. The data were analyzed through open coding of the interview transcription to draw categories and themes.& There were four major themes emerged i.e challenges in learning Braille, reading techniques, Braille comprehension, and Braille Rules.Findings: The findings of the study revealed more difficulty in reading Braille in grade two as compare to Braille writing, no training in the haptic sense in higher education institutes, and a lack of proper training courses in teaching and learning braille.Implications/Originality/Value: The study recommends appropriate support by the institutes and particular trainings and courses for Braille learning. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&