Challenges of educating deaf and hard of hearing students : a case study from Maldives / Sabeeha Ahmed

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to identify and describe the challenges faced by the stakeholders in educating deaf and hard of hearing students in a Maldivian school. The main research question was, "What are the challenges faced by stakeholders in educating deaf and hard of hearing students in Jamaluddin School"? A qualitative case study was used to explore this issue. Jamaluddin School, being the only school in the country with a segregated unit for deaf and hard of hearing students was purposefully selected for this study and 12 participants took part, of whom eight were deaf and hard of hearing students and eight were their teachers. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and classroom observations. Content analysis method of qualitative data analysis was used to analyse data. The findings indicated 6 major themes that emerged related to challenges of educating deaf and hard of hearing (hearing impaired) students; (1) Diagnosis and Admission, (2) Curriculum and Assessment, (3) Language Acquisition and Communication Barrier, (4) Educational Background of Teachers and Training Requirements (5) Role of Parents, NIE and SEN Unit, and (6) Materials and Infrastructure. In conclusion to the study, research implications for the Ministry of Education and the school management and areas for further research in the education of deaf and hard of hearing children in the Maldives have been identified.

Key words:
Deaf and hard of hearing students
Hearing impaired students in Maldives