Academic Performance of Hearing Impaired Learners in Regular Schools in Lamu District, Kenya

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION .............................................................................................................. i

APPROVAL .................................................................................................................... ii

DEDICATION .............................................................................................................. .iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .............................................................................................. iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................ v

ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................. viii

CHAPTER ONE .............................................................................................................. I

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... I

1.1 Background to the study ............................................................................................ I

1.1.1 Assessment and school placement ......................................................................... I

1.2 Statement of the problem .......................................................................................... 3

1.3 Purpose of the study .................................................................................................. 3

1.4 Objectives of the study .............................................................................................. 4

1.5 Research questions .................................................................................................... 4

1.6 Significance of the study ........................................................................................... 4

CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................. 5

LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................ 5

2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 5

2.1 The Hearing impaired ................................................................................................ 5

2.1.1 Problems of hearing-impaired Children and Adults ............................................... 7

2.1.2 Psychological Consequences of Hearing Impairments .......................................... 7

2.1.2.1 Identity Problems ................................................................................................ 8

2.1.2.2 Exhaustions ......................................................................................................... 8

2.1.2.3 Loss of Joy of Life and Social Competences ...................................................... 9

2.1.2.4 Loss of Confidence .............................................................................................. 9

2.1.2.5 Discouragement ................................................................................................. I 0

V

2.2 Inclusive setting ....................................................................................................... I 0

2.3 Deaf children in an inclusive setting ....................................................................... 13

2.4 The situation of inclusion in Kenya ........................................................................ 15

2.5 Challenges faced in academic performance ............................................................ 17

CHAPTER THREE ....................................................................................................... 20

METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................ 20

3.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 20

3.1 Research approach ................................................................................................... 20

3.2 The geographical area ............................................................................................. 20

3.3 Population of the study ............................................................................................ 20

3.4 Sampling strategy .................................................................................................... 20

3.5 Data collection method ............................................................................................ 20

3.6 Research instruments ............................................................................................... 20

3.7 Data analysis ............................................................................................................ 21

CHAPTER FOUR ......................................................................................................... 22

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION ........................... 22

4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 22

CHAPTER FIVE ........................................................................................................... 34

DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .............................. 34

5.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 34

5.1 Discussion ............................................................................................................... 34

5.2 Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 36

5.3 Recommendations ................................................................................................. 36

REFERENCES .............................................................................................................. 38

APPENDICES ............................................................................................................... 40

APPENDIX A ............................................................................................................... 40

ABSTRACT The impact of free primary education has been manifold and complex. The quality and magnitude of the programme has affected not only the normal physically fit pupil, but also the physically challenged learners in inclusive schools as well as the wider community and society. The study adopted a quantitative research design. This enhanced the researcher to obtain a better understanding of the problems and impact of free primary education on the quality of special education for the physically disabled learners in Lamu district, Kenya. The method chosen allowed a collection of comprehensive and intensive data and provided an in-depth understanding of the topic under study. Information collected was analyzed and edited to create consistency and completeness. After collecting the questionnaires they were edited for completeness and consistency across the respondents and to locate omissions. Information obtained from the research study was presented and analyzed using narratives, and statistical figures. This report provides suggestions for more effective approach to physically disabled education in the country. It is designed for policy makers, planners and practitioners who have responsibilities in the area of physically disabled education in Kenya.