Factors affecting the use sign langauage in the learning of hearing impaired pupils in selected upper primary schools in Lusaka district
Date
2017
Authors
Kamukwamba, Kapansa Lizzie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The study evaluated the factors affecting the use of Sign Language as a medium of
instruction in the learning of the hearing impaired in upper primary schools of Lusaka
District, Zambia. Working within the descriptive research design as it provides background
data for a larger study. The study was based on Naomi Chomsky’s theory of language
acquisition of 1977. Fifty-seven (57) respondents participated in the study consisting of
twenty teachers (20), thirty pupils (30), two (2) Curriculum specialists, two (2) lecturers, two
(2) advocators for the rights of persons with hearing impairments and one (1) Principal
Education standard officer from the Ministry of Education. The study was guided by the
following objectives, (1) to establish Factors affecting the use of Sign Language as a
language of instruction in the learning of the hearing impaired pupils. (2) To examine how
these factors have affected the use of Sign Language as a medium of instruction in the
learning of learners with hearing impairments. (3). to suggest measures that can be taken to
improve the use of Sign Language as a language of instruction in the learning of the hearing
impaired. Research instrument that were used in this study included observation checklist,
individual interview guide for teachers, pupils and key informants from ministry of
Education, CDC, lecturers from University of Zambia and Zambia institute of special
education and Zambia National Association of the deaf. It is against this background this
study sought to establish the factors affecting the use of Sign Language as a medium of
instruction in the learning of the hearing impaired learners in Zambia. The study findings
revealed that, there was a variation in the use of Sign Language which participants believed
to affect the use of Sign Language in academic work. The study conclusion recommended
that, Sign Language courses for teachers should be long enough and more practical to equip
teachers with signing skills. The harmonization of Sign Language training for teachers should
be a priority step to be taken in order to improve the education status of hearing impaired
learners and that Sign Language instructors should include adult hearing impaired as
demonstrators.
Description
THESIS M.ED
Keywords
Sign language--Study and learning--Zambia , Hearing impaired pupils--Education--Zambia