Author's Name:	Dr. Wellington Samkange
Subject Area:	Social Science and Humanities
Subject	Education
Section	Research Paper

Labelling; Exceptional children; Exceptional learners; Systems approach; disabilities.

There are arguments surrounding the role of labelling in education. There are arguments for and against labelling. The paper examines the concept labelling and its role in education. In its attempt to explain the labelling theory, the paper identifies and discusses the different labelling approaches. The three approaches to labelling that are discussed in the paper are the developmental approach, the cultural approach and the individual approach. The paper further examines the advantages and limitations of labelling before discussing the role of the teacher and to some extent that of the school head in managing exceptional children. In explaining the role of the teacher, the paper proposes the use of the systems approach in classroom management. The promotion of play and active learning are also emphasized. The paper concludes by noting that labelling is a reality in education that has to be managed well for the benefit of the children with exceptionalities.