Evaluating D/deaf learners’ experiences of notetaking support in higher education utilising a transformative framework

The aim of this study was to ascertain the experiences of D/deaf university learners who had been supported by a notetaker at some point during their studies. Whilst the number of D/deaf learners attending university is steadily increasing, notetaking support continues to be an under-researched area. The two primary research questions examined the current state of notetaking provision in higher education and what, from the perspectives of the co-researchers (D/deaf learners), comprised a successful and positive experience of being supported by notetakers. A transformative framework (Mertens 2010) was adopted to guide the data collection, foregrounding the voices of the learner and influencing the study as it was acknowledged that the co-researchers were the experts on the subject. Two sequential methods were utilised, firstly an electronic forum (n=7) which then contributed to the second phase, an electronic questionnaire (n=30). The findings showed that whilst the majority of the co-researchers’ experiences were positive, there was evidence of poor and variable practice which confirmed the need for common guidelines. The anonymous forum and questionnaire enabled the co-researchers to discuss and/or contribute their experiences in a non-threatening, and non-judgemental environment as suggested by Balch and Mertens: Focus groups for deaf and hard of hearing can be highly productive on even the most sensitive issues (1999:265). The intended outcome of the study was the development of the Notetaking Optimising Thorley Effectiveness Information and Guidelines – NOTE IaG which provides information for D/deaf learners, their teaching staff, notetakers and their non-D/deaf peers. An unexpected yet positive outcome of the study was the creation of a NOTE template which encourages D/deaf learners to add to, and personalise their notes provided by their notetakers.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

edd

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Greenwich

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Thorley, Melanie Daphne

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Ainley, Patrick
• Kinchington, Francia

• LB2300 Higher Education

Language dc:language

en