Challenges Faced by Teachers in Teaching Methods to Children with Hearing Impairment in Mainstream Schools in Starehe Zone, Parkland Division, Nairobi Noeth District (Kenya)

ABSTRACT The education of children with hearing impairment in mainstream schools is becoming prominent through out the country. This study was carried in Nairobi North district in three selected schools 1. The Agakhan primary school (Nairobi) 2. Njatha- ini primary school 3. Racecourse primary school The main purpose of the study was to find out 1he challenges faced by the teachers in teaching science to children with hearing impairment in mainstream schools, the mode of communication used by teachers, instructional materials used, 1he teachers attitudes towards teaching hearing impaired children in 1he mainstream schools and exploring ways of improving the education of these children. To get information needed an interview guide was designed for children and selected schools. The data collected from above respondents was organized using a qualitative me1hod. most teachers use 1he gestures as the mode of communicating with 1he deaf children, most schools lack appropriate instructional materials to use in teaching children with hearing impairment and some teachers still have negative attitude towards children with hearing important. To improve the education of children with hearing impairment, it was recommended that children with profound hearing impairment should be sent to special schools. Where they can benefit from the services of specialists with good communication ability, distance education in special needs at Kampala International University be emphasized, sign language training and instructional materials be provided, seminars to sensitize the public by different professionals be intensified and persons wi1h disabilities be involved in planning for special needs education programme.