Teaching Reading Skill by Using Vocabulary Diy (Do It Yourself) Work book to Teenager Deaf Pupils

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Teaching teenager Deaf pupils how to read to is very challenging yet very rewarding. But finding reading materials that are suitable to their needs is another story. The researcher based this study in two approaches-The Sight Word Approach and Learning by Doing Approach. Sight word instruction is crucial for all students, but has proven to be especially successful for students with disabilities. Alberto et al. (2013) found that "the primary format of reading instruction for students with mild to severe intellectual disabilities is sight word instruction" (p. 332). On the other hand, "Learning by doing" is active, hands-on and engaging for students. The goal of this teaching approach is for learners to construct mental models that allow for 'higher-order' performance such as applied problem solving and transfer of information and skills (Churchill, 2003). This study aims to teach reading skill through vocabulary development to teenager pupils in spite of being Deaf.

METHODS

The study utilized the quantitative strategies of inquiry, using the quasi-experimental design and comparative-evaluative method. Researcher-made Survey was the main instrument used in collecting data. Then, to attain the reading skill in spite of being Deaf, the Vocabulary DIY (Do It Yourself) Workbook was utilized in experimental group. Having the control and experimental group, the effect of variables was tested.

RESULTS

The Performance Output of the control group at the end of the school year 2017-2018 was 44.44 while in experimental group got 83.33, which means that there is a significant difference between the performance of the control and experimental group. Using Vocabulary DIY (Do It Yourself) Workbook is effective in attaining reading skill in spite of being Deaf.

DISCUSSIONS

Vocabulary DIY (Do It Yourself) Workbook has 32 activities which are based on everyday life. To add excitement and fun while learning, the learners of this activity book may choose to take photos using the camera of their Smart Phones, print their own catch pictures then cut and paste in the activity book. If the camera is not available, learners may showcase their skills and talent in drawing and coloring, cutting and pasting. Each activity will develop not just vocabulary skills but also creativity and originality in finishing the activity book.