Abstract

CASOOJEE, Aisha; KHOZA-SHANGASE, Katijah  and  KANJI, Amisha. A comparative study of learning outcomes for hearing-impaired foundation phase learners. SAJCE [online]. 2024, vol.14, n.1, pp.1-11. ISSN 2223-7682.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/sajce.v14i1.1419.

BACKGROUND: Two intervention approaches are implemented in South Africa to alleviate the deleterious consequences of congenital or early onset hearing impairment on language acquisition and subsequent poor learning outcomes. AIM: This study investigated the learning outcomes of foundation phase learners with severe to profound hearing impairment who received Listening and Spoken Language - South Africa (LSL-SA) (adapted Auditory Verbal Therapy) therapy compared to those who received Traditional Speech-Language Therapy (TSLT). SETTING: The study was conducted at four early intervention (EI) schools for children with hearing impairment across three provinces in South Africa. METHODS: Data were collected through record reviews of their Speech-Language Therapy Outcomes and South African National Department of Basic Education academic report cards. Data were analysed using quantitative statistics. RESULTS: Findings demonstrated that children with hearing impairment enrolled in LSL-SA outperformed those enrolled in TSLT in achieving age-equivalent language outcomes. A higher percentage of learners enrolled in LSL-SA achieved meritorious to outstanding learning outcomes. While a comparable number of learners progressed to mainstream schooling, children with hearing impairment enrolled in LSL-SA are enrolled for a shorter duration until discharge than those enrolled in TSLT. This is an important finding, particularly in low-middle income countries (LMICs). CONCLUSION: Listening and Spoken Language - South Africa graduates achieved superior learning outcomes dependent on language attainment, providing contextually relevant evidence supporting the effectiveness of the LSL-SA EI approach. CONTRIBUTION: These context-specific outcomes stress the obligation to upscale and fast-track EI services. Implications for investment in LSL-SA are proposed through collaboration between families, educators, and early interventionists.

Keywords : academic achievement; auditory-verbal therapy; early hearing detection and intervention; early intervention; hearing impairment; listening and spoken language - South Africa; learning outcomes; schooling.

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