THE FREQUENCY OF MATHEMATICS TEACHERS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION USING MATHEMATICS TEXTBOOKS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study aims to assess the frequency of Mathematics textbook usage in teaching at primary schools, specifically in Special Education, across various regions in Malaysia, namely the Northern Zone (Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak), Central Zone (Selangor, W.P. Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Putrajaya), Southern Zone (Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor), and Eastern Zone (Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan). The primary objective of this study is to examine the frequency of textbook usage by Special Education teachers, assess the differences between the regions in Malaysia, and understand the role of textbooks in the teaching and learning process of Mathematics at primary schools. The sample in this study was selected using purposeful sampling, with 60 respondents chosen from each main geographical zone in Malaysia, totalling 240 respondents. The respondents consisted of Special Education teachers who teach Mathematics at primary schools. This approach was chosen because it allows the researcher to obtain relevant data from a group with knowledge and experience in using Mathematics textbooks in teaching. The selection of this sample ensures that each zone in Malaysia is adequately represented, and the data obtained reflects the frequency of textbook usage nationwide. The findings of the study show that the majority of respondents are female (57.5%) with a total of 138, while male respondents account for 42.5% with 102 individuals. Regarding the frequency of Mathematics textbook usage, 77.5% of respondents reported using textbooks regularly, 12.5% used textbooks occasionally, and 10% did not use textbooks at all. The Northern Zone (Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak) showed lower textbook usage compared to other zones, with 45% using textbooks regularly, 30% occasionally, and 25% not using textbooks at all. In conclusion, this study provides a clear overview of the demographic profile and frequency of Mathematics textbook usage by Special Education teachers in primary schools, which forms the basis for further assessment of the effectiveness of teaching Mathematics using textbooks across Malaysia.