Social interaction between pupils with hearing impairment and their hearing peers in the University Practice Inclusive school, Winneba

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find out the social interaction pattern between pupils with hearing impairment and their hearing peers in the University Practice Inclusive School, Winneba. The study was qualitative which utilized a phenomenological design with interview and observation as the data collection procedures. A sample of 8 pupils comprising 5 pupils with hearing impairment and 3 with normal hearing were purposefully sampled. Data from the study was thematically analyzed based on the emerging themes. Findings from the study revealed among other things that the pupils with hearing impairment had interaction with their hearing peers both inside and outside the classroom. Additionally, there was a symbiotic relationship between the pupils with hearing impairment and their hearing peers. However, the hearing impaired pupils were battling with how to sustain interaction with their hearing peers as a result of their communication difficulties. The study recommended that regular counselling should be given to each group of Pupils in the UNIPRA Inclusive School to enhance the level of friendship between pupils with hearing impairment and their hearing peers. Also, regular interaction should be encouraged between pupils with hearing impairment and their peers at the UNIPRA Inclusive School in order for the pupils with hearing impairment to continue enjoying the benefits such as getting vital information from friends initiating and sustaining interaction and turn taking.