Barriers in the implementation of Kenyan sign language as a medium of instruction in primary schools for the deaf in Homabay county: a case of Nyangweso special school for the deaf.

Abstract

Kenyan Sign Language is the visual-gestural language used by deaf people in Kenya. It can also be learned and used by people who have hearing abilities. Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) is the utilization tool in the education of learners. The purpose of the study was to explore the barriers in the implementation of KSL as a medium of instruction in primary schools for deaf learners in Homa Bay County. The objectives of the study were to: Identify hindrances that teachers face as they use KSL as a medium of instruction in primary schools for the deaf, determine how classroom facilities hinder the implementation KSL as a medium of instruction in primary schools for the deaf and Identify the learners’ views in the implementation of KSL as a medium of instruction in primary schools for the deaf. The study was based on the Inmates Theory of Language Acquisition by Noam Chomsky (2002) who argued that children are born with the innate ability to acquire language and the language learnt should be nurtured by exposing learners to rich learning environment. The study employed a case study design to give detailed information. Data collection tools used were questionnaires, interview schedule and observation checklist, the data collected were both qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Stratified random sampling was used to sample learners while teachers and the head teachers were purposively sampled to get a sample size of 1 head teacher, 16 teachers and 59 learners totaling to a sample size of 76 participants. Piloting was done in Lambwe Christian School for the deaf while the actual study was done in Nyangweso special school for the deaf. Reliability of the instruments was done through the test-retest method while validity of the research instruments was done by the researcher’s supervisors who checked and deleted the invalid ones. The Study findings revealed that: teachers lacked competence in using KSL as a medium of instruction due to lack of basic training in KSL, Inadequate number of teachers who are deaf to act as role models in the use of KSL, inadequate KSL teaching and learning resources, and need of early exposure of deaf learners to use of KSL. Based on the study findings, the study recommended Ministry of Education to liaise with KISE to introduce frequent induction courses for teachers in basic KSL, M.O.E.to equip schools for the deaf with adequate KSL teaching and learning resources and need for early intervention and placement programs for Deaf learners. Teachers Service commission should also employ more teachers who are deaf in schools for the deaf to act as role models in the use of KSL. Further research was suggested on KSL competence among the deaf learners in Homa Bay County, availability and accessibility of KSL teaching and learning resources and a similar study to be done other counties.