Enhancing vocabulary among grade 4 deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) learners through an online sign language intervention: A mixed method study

Abstract

Filipino Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) learners are generally considered bilingual who use Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as their primary mode of communication. Written language in Filipino or English form-part of their secondary mode of communication but the DHH learners' familiarity with the English written language is evident due to the influence of the American Sign Language (ASL). There is a challenge among grade 4 DHH pupils to remember Filipino-written Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies) vocabularies and their corresponding manual sign. The overall purpose of this study is to address the difficulties encountered through an intervention called Araling Panlipunan (AP) Filipino Sign Language (AP-FSL). The intervention is in the form of multimedia learning resource material that is made accessible for any Android or iOS device. The study used mixed method approach in collecting quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were gathered through the conduct of pre and posttest to thirty (30) grade 4 learners while the qualitative data were collected through survey forms and semi-structured interviews. Results revealed a significant increase in the mean percentage score from 9.33 to 83.47. Post test result fell under the independent reading level. The overall impression or rating of the stakeholders to the AP-FSL intervention was ``strongly agree'' which implies that an intervention to increase the AP vocabularies among DHH learners is strongly recommended. Stakeholders' recommendation to further enhance the intervention were also taken into consideration highlighting the importance of close collaboration with the Filipino Deaf community in utilizing appropriate manual sign in AP lessons.