Academic preparation and transition of students who are deaf into the University of Education, Winneba

Abstract

The study investigated the academic preparation of students of Senior High Technical School for the Deaf, Mampong-Akuapem and their transition into the University of Education, Winneba. Both quantitative data and qualitative data were collected through questionnaire and structured open-ended interview guide. A descriptive sequential explanatory design was used. The population was 75 with a sample size of 50 was used. Purposive sampling technique was used to select five parents and five students who are deaf while 40 teachers were selected based on convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics and thematic approach were used to analyze the data. Percentages, frequencies, means and standard deviation were used to present the data. The means and standard deviation were applied to determine the agreement level of how teachers prepare deaf students. The study found that there was good academic preparation of deaf students by teachers. Parents rendered support to their deaf wards and contributed to their success through cordial and an opened relationship with the school and teachers. However, parents were unable to communicate with their wards in sign language. The students selected their elective courses in SHS based on information and encouragement by friends, seniors and parents. Many of the students could not report early on campus to partake in orientation. The study recommends that, there should be proper coordination between the school for the Deaf and UEW. The school for the Deaf must organize educational trips to UEW for the students to be familiarized with the university environment, course requirement and courses combinations. Parents must support their wards who have gotten admission into UEW to report to campus on time in order to partake in the orientation program organized by the university. Sign language tutorials should also be organized for fresh students who are deaf in order for them to be familiar with new signs and concepts used on campus.