Exploring the multisectoral strategies to support the academic performance of Deaf Learners in inclusive schools Lesotho
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Date
2023
Authors
Palime, Ntloyalefu Justinah
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Increasing the academic performance of learners with disabilities in inclusive schools is currently a global concern. Lesotho is therefore not an exception. Numerous contemporary research studies have contributed to support service initiatives, and engagement of various teaching approaches, including universal design for learning, launching inclusive policies, and the involvement parents. These series of commitments, nationally and internationally, stress the issue of equality and equity in education for all learners, including Deaf learners. Nevertheless, the academic performance of Deaf Learners is still a major challenge. There is a dearth of literature on the multisectoral strategies that strengthen partnership among stakeholders, such as the school personnel, parents, and the learners. The researcher believes that the learners’ voice, particularly the voice of the Deaf Learners as the major stakeholder in this case, is essentially missing. This negates the view of the Ministry of Education in Lesotho that learners form the third leg in the metaphorical legged pot. Thus, in order to address these underlying challenges, the following objectives were espoused in this study: (1) To determine the multisectoral strategies and practices that can support the academic performances of Deaf Learners in Lesotho’s inclusive schools. (2) To identify the challenges of Deaf Learners in Lesotho’s inclusive schools that affect their academic performance. (3) To explore the factors that enable multisectoral strategies to support the academic performance of Deaf Learners in Lesotho’s inclusive schools.
This study adopted a qualitative approach to describe and analyse the quality of human experiences within a transformative paradigm. The paradigm acknowledges the roles of privilege, power, inclusion, and culture in working with Deaf learners to overcome challenges in their academic performance. It employed participatory design to enable openness and equity in sharing knowledge and experiences and close collaboration among stakeholders. The data were generated through focus group discussions and a collage with 34 participants that allowed the exploration of how multisectoral strategies involving multiple stakeholders contribute to the academic performance of Deaf Learners. The participants comprised twelve hearing learners, twelve Deaf Learners and teachers (two heads of department, three interpreters, and five teachers), who were purposefully selected. The data were analysed through thematic analysis, a highly flexible method that can be modified and generates rich, detailed, and complex information.
The theoretical framework of Kretzmann and McKnight informed the study. The theory acknowledges gifts, abilities and capabilities, and that people live and thrive using their skills. The center of this asset-based theory is mobilising and harnessing local assets, skills, and insights to solve the existing problem.
The research findings have revealed that strengthening partnership and listening to the voices of the various stakeholders, including the voice of Deaf Learners , is critical in improving academic performance. The research findings have also revealed that multisectoral strategies are support structures constructed collectively, which enhance networking of personal and rational assets within and outside the inclusive school. The findings certainly demonstrated the possibility of sharing information with concerned stakeholders, including the voice of Deaf Learners, as a factor that enhances multisectoral strategies. Hence, each exercises their potential, shares their experiences and challenges, and decides on appropriate measures for assistance. The findings have also indicated that the power of interaction among stakeholders develops a sense of networking and relationship, thus enabling multisectoral strategies to support Deaf Learners academically.
The study opines that the current support provided to Deaf Learners is subjective and is, therefore, generated abstractly without identifying and using the learners’ experiences and strengths. Thus, through multisectoral strategies, the learners’ voice, ideas, and expertise are all essential in addressing their academic issues.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D.(Education))--University of the Free State, 2023
Keywords
Academic performance, academic support, asset-based, hearing-impaired learners, able-bodied learners, inclusive education, Lesotho, multisectoral strategies, stakeholders