Sign language as a medium of instruction in Koforidua school for the deaf

Abstract

Sign language is the main medium of instruction that the deaf seem to understand better. However, it appears some teachers at Koforidua School for the Deaf are not proficient in the use of Sign language for delivery classroom instructions. This study therefore, explored the use of Sign Language as a medium of instruction in Koforidua School for the Deaf. The Case Study Research Design was adopted for the study. Fifteen(15) respondents made up of six (6) hearing teachers, three (3) teachers who are deaf, and the head teacher were purposively sampled while (5) final year students were randomly sampled from a target population of sixty-three (63). Data were gathered through a semi structured interview and observation guides. Data were coded and analysed thematically and verbatim expressions from the respondents were recorded. Core findings of the study were; either Sign language alone or Simultaneous Communication which are Sign language, speech, gestures and facial expressions were employed in the classroom. The teaching and learning materials for use are insufficient and those available are the traditional teaching and learning resources such as, textbooks and teacher-made learning materials. The study also revealed that majority of the teachers are not proficient in the use of Sign language as the medium of instruction; majority of the teacher and student respondents felt Sign language is inadequate in terms of expressing concepts in the subject matter. The study recommended that, workshops and seminars should be organised for teachers to sharpen their Sign language skills in order to communicate effectively during classroom instructions. Besides, textbooks, interactive video clips that have been modelled in Sign language should be provided to suit the learning needs of the students who are deaf, such textbooks, for the various subjects should be produced for use by teachers and students for teaching and learning. Finally, teachers who have interest in Sign language should be recruited and posted to the school.