Influence Of Interpersonal Relationship On Academic Performance Of Learners With Hearing Impairments: A Case Of St. Bernadatte Turkana County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to find out the influence of interpersonal relationship on academic performance of learners with Hearing Impairment (HI); a case of St. Bernadette school for the deaf in Turkana County. The study focused on Interpersonal relationship of learners with (HI) and how it helps learners improve on academic performance. The study was triggered after a critical observation of inadequate interpersonal relationship and its effects on learner’s academic performance. Learners with HI were facing a lot of problems due to their inability to communicate freely with their peers, teachers and parents which seemed to have a bearing on academic performance. Interpersonal relationship influences the socio-psychological wellbeing of learners’ with HI which consequently improves their self-concept and self-actualization that enhances academic performance. This study was guided by the three objectives; to examine the influence of teacher-pupil interpersonal relationship on academic performance of learners with hearing impairment, to find out the academic performance of learners with hearing impairment and to establish the influence of interpersonal relationship on academic performance of learners with hearing impairment. The research design used in this study was a case study, where structured questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select the school for the study in Turkana County while learners were randomly selected. The study targeted population was 75 as unit of analysis and sampled 62 as unit of inquiry using Krejcie & Morgan (1970) approach of determining the sample size basing on the targeted population. The Key informants comprised head teacher, the deputy head teacher 2 teachers from each of the selected classes, these were selected purposively. A total of 62 units of inquiry were obtained to participate in the study. The data was analyzed using micro soft excel computer frequencies and percentages were used to determine the findings based on the objectives of the study. The findings of the study were: There were interpersonal relationship amongst some learners with hearing impairment, their parents and teachers. This caused improved performance through improved language of communication, discussion group attendance, freeness in teacher-pupil approaches in deliberating on subject concepts and gifts from some parents and teachers. A reasonable percentage of learners with hearing impairment, parents and teachers still do not relate well which could be the cause of withdrawal, dismal performance and isolation of these learners both at home and in the school settings.