Experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing College Students Assessed in Standard English

Zollicoffer, Christine Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students often enter college underprepared because of their apparent deficit in the comprehension of the English language. This deficit exists because the primary language for DHH students is American Sign Language (ASL) rather than the English language. ASL is considered and recognized as a visual language, which does not have an exact translation to the English language. ASL is its own language, complete with its own set of rules and arrangements as compared to the English Language. As a result, assessments that require English may not accurately reflect their knowledge, skills, and abilities. The purpose of this study is to provide an inquiry into the experience of DHH students in community colleges whose knowledge, skills, and abilities are assessed using English. A basic qualitative design was used for this study. Face-to-face interviews with DHH students were conducted, utilizing open-ended questions and relevant follow-up questions when necessary. A certified sign language interpreter assisted the researcher to conduct the interviews in ASL. An examination of the students’ English may determine obstacles students face for successful program completion and the benefits received from classroom instruction. An appropriate assessment for DHH students cannot be determined until it is understood what this population’s experiences are when being assessed in English. By understanding the students’ viewpoint of being assessed using English, this study may advance the scientific knowledge base on assessing DHH students’ knowledge.

Grantor dc:publisher

Alverno College

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Zollicoffer, Christine

• Deaf college students
• Deaf--Education
• Accommodations
• Assessments
• Hard of Hearing
• Sign Language Interpreters

Statement dc:rights

• These materials may be used by individuals and libraries for personal use, research, teaching (including distribution to classes), or for any fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://alverno.omeka.net/items/show/830

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:alverno.omeka.net:830