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Special Educators’ Knowledge, Attitude and Skill with Regards to Early Intervention for Children with Hearing Impairment

Principal Investigator: Ms. Prithi Nair
Co-Investigator: Dr. I. P. Gowramma
Project Staff: Ms. Vanitha C

Funded by AIISH Research Fund

Year: 2010

Abstract

Early intervention applies to children of school age or younger who are discovered to have or be at risk of developing a handicapping condition or other special need that may affect their development. Enhancing the child’s development is one of the aims of early intervention. To enhance the child’s development, special educators who are specialized in teaching children with hearing impairment play an important role. Kames and Lee (1978) have noted that “only through early identification and appropriate programming can children develop their potential”. Hence, this study focuses upon special educators’ knowledge, attitude and skill with regards to early intervention for children with hearing impairment. The methodology applied was cross-sectional exploratory and purposive survey with a component of tool development embedded in the research design. 29 special educators teaching children with hearing impairment in the ae group of 3-6 years were selected from special schools in Bangalore and Mysore. Tools like knowledge test, attitude scale and skill observation schedule were developed to assess the knowledge, attitude and skill of the educators. For the purpose of analysis, the educators were grouped on the basis of experience and qualification. The findings of the study support that, Professionally Qualified teachers performed well in skill, where as non-professionally qualified (with short-term training) teachers performed well in the knowledge and attitude. Teachers having less than 10 years of teaching experience performed will in knowledge and skill, whereas teachers having more than 10 years of experience performed well in the area of attitude.

 

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Special Educators’ Knowledge, Attitude and Skill with Regards to Early Intervention for Children with Hearing Impairment