Factors affecting teachers' perceptions towards the use of sign language in learning and teaching in primary schools in Meru district,-Tanzania

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting teachers' perceptions towards the use of Sign Language in learning and teaching in Meru Primary schools. The study was based on David Premack & Guy Woodruff Theory of mind of 1978.The study utilized a qualitative research approach and collected data using semi-structured interview and observation guides. The target population was thirty two teachers of primary schools for the deaf from which the sample was drawn. The study participants involved six primary school teachers. The study problem was teachers 'perceptions that Sign language is not a language. The findings of the study revealed the misconceptions between Sign language and Kiswahili. Trained teachers failed to distinguish between the two, yet Sign language has its own grammar, syntax, phonology, morphology and structure as Kiswahili or English does. The generation of initial information, researcher organized related information under different themes. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes, coding and data were classified for analysis. Findings further recognized that, early exposure to signing helped pupils to develop their language and reasoning skills. Likewise the study established teacher factor, school environment, curriculum learning and teaching resources as influencing the use of sign language in primary schools Based on the findings, the study recommended that classroom environment which is composed of the arrangement of the room (ventilation), the diversity of the children, daily routines, creating a sign language rich environment, and learning areas should be highly acknowledged. Friendly environment, teacher awareness and use of various teaching strategies towards Sign language development should be admitted. Similarly, sign language curriculum should be established. The researcher suggested that a similar study should be replicated in Meru district to establish factors affecting teachers' perceptions towards use of Sign Language in learning and teaching in primary schools.