Type | Conference Paper - First International Research and Innovation Conference, 28-30 August 2013, Nairobi, Kenya |
Title | English Language Literacy for Deaf Learners |
Author(s) | |
Publication (Day/Month/Year) | 2013 |
Abstract | This study looked at deaf learners English literacy in Kenya. Deaf learners, a category of persons living with disabilities popularly known as special needs Education (SNE), have continually performed poorly in national examinations which limits their access to institutions of higher learning and to successful employment opportunities later in life. With the enactment of the constitution that provides for integration of all persons in all social, political and economic activities irrespective of race, gender, religion or disability, this study sought to make an enquiry into English Language Literacy which is key to the education of deaf persons as education is an integration tool. The study specifically focused on reading for comprehension and writing for communication competences in deaf learners. The study utilized the descriptive survey design. Five schools for deaf learners, all in the central region of Kenya, were used. Eight deaf learners from each school were selected purposively. These gave a sample size of forty (40) respondents. The learners were subjected to written exercises, written composition to test writing for communication and a reading passage where learners were to respond to questions derived from the passage that tested reading for comprehension. The study settled on standard four learners because this is where reading for comprehension and writing for communication begins. Findings indicated that deaf learners at standard four cannot read for comprehension or write for communication. The study therefore recommended that strategies for teaching English language to deaf learners should be improved; like training special education teachers and providing technologically oriented programmes. |
» | Kenya - National Survey for Persons with Disabilities 2007 |