Abstract:
This study employed a case study design to explore classroom communications among
lecturers, interpreters, and deaf students at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).
The data for the study were gathered from 20 participants comprised of 10 deaf students,
five interpreters, and five lecturers from five academic departments at the University of
Education, Winneba. A one-on-one semi-structured interview was used for data
collection, and the data were coded and analyzed using a thematic approach. Findings
from the study indicated that different communication approaches that included sign
language interpreting, note-taking, body gestures, facial expression, fingerspelling,
speech reading, and word interpreting were used at the UEW among deaf students,
interpreters, and lecturers. It was also revealed that there no structured procedure for
communication regarding classroom communication. Again, it was evident that the
lighting system in some lecture halls is not supportive for evening lectures which makes
interpreting discomforting because deaf students hardly get the communication due to
the state of the lights. Based on the results from the study, it is therefore recommended
that the Sign language interpreters at UEW should build on their proficiency in sign
language to make classroom communication effective and more encouraging. Also, more
professional interpreters and notetakers should be given the opportunity since the
population deaf students are increasing rapidly at the university. Finally, the Department
of Special Education should facilitate continuous professional development seminars and
in-service training for lecturers and interpreters on the education of deaf students to
enable them to come up with more innovative ways of communicating with deaf students.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Special Education, Faculty of
Educational Studies submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in the partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy (Special Education)
In the University of Education, Winneba