Academic Difficulties of Hearing Impaired Learners in Selected Inclusive Primary Schools in Nyamira North District, Kenya.

ABSTRACT 

The learners who are hearing impaired have for years been stigmatized and despised although their potentiality is performing duties does not differ from that of non hearing impaired learners. Due to this, the study on academic difficulties of hearing impaired learners in selected inclusive primary schools in Nyamira North District, Kenya specifically determined to further the following; determine the academic difficulties of the hearing impaired in inclusive schools, the extent and establish if there was a significant difference between male and female hearing impaired learners. The objectives of the study were meant to examine the academic difficulties faced by hearing impaired learners and then find out ways of assisting the learners academically. The researcher used descriptive survey design specially the descriptive comparative strategy, characteristics and behavior of hearing impaired were described and then compared between male and female hearing impaired learners. The researcher selected 109 respondents from a total of 150 teachers in selected inclusive primary schools. The researcher used a face sheet to gather data on the respondents’ demographic characteristics. Researcher devised questionnaires were used to collect data. The study established that learners with hearing impairments have a wide range of academic difficulties which have not been fully catered for to enable them learn effectively. The study concludes that majority of the teachers lack special skills in teaching learners with hearing impairment, MOEST does not consider hearing impairment as exceptional children in general to their need for extra funding in free primary institutions. The learners are discriminated against by their peers both outside and inside the classroom. Finally, the researcher recommends that the government to sponsor training programs on special needs, education to all teachers, provision of support services, teaching! learning materials by the government, curriculum modification to suit the learners, guidance and counseling to the parents, teachers, siblings and the learners themselves to enable them accept in the free learning education programs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prehminaries

Declaration A

Declaration B ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgements iv

List of Tables v

Acronyms vi

Abstract vii

Chapters

One THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the problem 3

Purpose of the Study 4

Research objectives 5

Scope 6

Significance of the Study 6

Operational definitions of Key Terms 7

Two REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE 8

Concepts, ideas, opinions from authors! expert 8

Theoretical perspective 14

Related studies 15

Summary of gaps in Literature Review 17

Three METHODOLOGY 18

Research Design 18

Research Population 18

Sample Size 18

Sampling Procedure 18

Research Instrument/ Tools 19

Validity and the Reliability of the Instruments 19

Data Gathering Procedure 20

Data analysis 20

Ethical considerations 21

Limitations of the Study 21

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 22

Analysis of demographic data 23

Analysis of the profile of pupil respondents 25

Analysis of the extent of academic difficulties of hearing

impaired learners 27

Analysis on the significant difference between male and

female having impaired learners 31

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 34

Findings 34

Conclusions 35

Recommendations 36

Suggestion for further study 37

References 38

Appendices

Appendix I A: Transmittal Letter 41

Appendix I B: Transmittal Letter for the Respondents 42

Appendix II: Clearance from Ethics Committee 43

Appendix III: Informed Consent 44

Appendix IV A: Facesheet: Profiles of the Respondents (Teachers) 45

Appendix IV B: Questionnaire to determine the profile of pupil’s

respondents 46

Appendix IV C: Extent of Academic Difficulties of Hearing Impaired

Learners 47

Appendix IV D: Questionnaire on the significant difference between

Male and Female H.I Learners 49

Appendix VI: 50

Sample Size Determination 50

Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae 51