Article Metadata

"The effect of limited sign language as barrier to teaching and learning among Deaf learners in South Africa"


 
Dublin Core PKP Metadata Items Metadata for this Document
 
1. Title Title of document The effect of limited sign language as barrier to teaching and learning among Deaf learners in South Africa
 
2. Creator Author's name, affiliation, country Winnie Poelane Ngobeni; Department of Professional Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa; South Africa
 
2. Creator Author's name, affiliation, country Joseph Ramathibela Maimane; Department of Professional Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa; South Africa
 
2. Creator Author's name, affiliation, country Mmushetji Petrus Rankhumise; Department of Mathematics, Science and Business Education, Faculty of Humanities, Tshwane University of Technology, Soshanguve, South Africa; South Africa
 
3. Subject Discipline(s)
 
3. Subject Keyword(s) Deaf learner; medium of instruction; performance; sign language
 
4. Description Abstract In the study reported on here we investigated the effects of sign language barriers among Deaf learners in special schools for the Deaf and Blind in the Motheo District in the Free State province of South Africa. Semi-structured focus group interviews were held with 7 teachers (2 males and 5 females) and 10 Grade 8 learners (6 males and 4 females) who used sign language as their first language. We employed a qualitative research approach and data were collected, themes identified, and learners were observed in their natural classroom environment. Open-ended questions were used when interviewing the teachers and learners of the selected school. South African Sign Language (SASL) is used as language of learning and teaching in schools for the Deaf. A qualified sign language interpreter translated the data. The results of the study show a lack of in-service training in SASL for teachers. It was found that learners acquired language at school rather than in the home environment, and a lack of physical resources were responsible for the learners’ poor performance. We recommend that universities offer SASL as common subject – especially for education students.

https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v40n2a1735

ORCiD iDs of authors:
Winnie Poelane Ngobeni - https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8654-1091
Joseph Ramathibela Maimane - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9533-3304
Mmushetji Petrus Rankhumise - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1832-9758
 
5. Publisher Organizing agency, location Education Association of South Africa
 
6. Contributor Sponsor(s)
 
7. Date (YYYY-MM-DD) 2020-06-06
 
8. Type Status & genre Peer-reviewed Article
 
8. Type Type
 
9. Format File format PDF
 
10. Identifier Universal Resource Indicator https://www.sajournalofeducation.co.za/index.php/saje/article/view/1735
 
11. Source Journal/conference title; vol., no. (year) SA Journal of Education; Vol 40, No 2 (2020)
 
12. Language English=en en
 
13. Relation Supp. Files
 
14. Coverage Geo-spatial location, chronological period, research sample (gender, age, etc.)
 
15. Rights Copyright and permissions If the article is accepted for publication, copyright of this article will be vested in the Education Association of South Africa.

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