SCHOOL AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AS PREDICTORS OF PARENTAL CHOICE OF SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN AKWA IBOM NIGERIA

Francesca UKO

Doctoral thesis

Abstract:

Abstract This study investigated school and socio-demographic factors as predictors of parental choice of school for children with hearing impairment in Akwa Ibom Nigeria.The study adopted a descriptive survey design of cor-relational type. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample 205 parents and caregivers of children with hearing impairment. A Questionnaire on School and Socio-demographic Factors as Predictors to Parental Choice of School For Children with Hearing Impairment was self-developed and validated with reliability coefficient ranging from 0.76to 0.85. It was administered to all the participants. Two research questions were raised and answered in the study. Six hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The data collected were statistically analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis. The result showed that there is a total of 88 school childrn in Akwa Ibom and of these, 5 were enrolled in Inclusive schools and 83, in Special schools across the state.It was also revealed that school factors (language needs (r=0.874), teacher quality (0.802), home-school partnership (0.685)and school facilities (0.611) have significant relationship with parental choice of school for children with hearing impairment. Four variables were also found to make 79% (Adj.R2=0.790) contribution to parental choice when put together. Also revealed was, that, Socio-demographic factors (parents' socioeconomic status (0.556), teacher attitude (0.721) and school safety (0.617) have significance relationship with parental choice of school for these group of children. These three variables were found to make 71.1% (Adj.R2=0.711) contribution to parental choice jointly. Similarly, the result showed that school safety, teacher attitude, and parent socioeconomic status make significant contribution to parents choice in that order. This means that school and socio-demographic factors play a key role in parental choice of school for children with hearing impairment. Based on these findings it was recommended among others that school and government should equip schools with adequate language resourses as a commitment to meeting the language needs of children with hearing impairment in schools.

Keywords

School, socio demographic, factors, hearing impairment

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 15. 2. 2021

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. et Mgr. Jan Chrastina, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Education

Doctoral programme / field:
Special Education / Special Education