Teaching Methods Employed By Teachers and Their Influence on Academic Performance of Learners with Hearing Impairments in Mathematics in Igembe Sub-County of Meru County

The purpose of the study was to establish teaching methods employed by teachers that have positive impact on academic performance of learners with hearing impairments in mathematics in special school and units in Igembe District of Meru County. This study adopted a descriptive survey design which allowed the researcher to gather, summarize, present and interpret the information /data for the purpose of clarification. The study targeted the head teachers, teachers teaching mathematics to hearing impaired learners and Quality assurance and standard officers in Igembe District. A sample of 53% of accessible population was purposively sampled for this study. The researcher used questionnaires, interview guides, and observation checklists to collect data. The researcher applied test-retest method during the piloting stage to establish reliability. This was carried out in one special unit of Tigania District which was purposively sampled to ensure validity of the research instruments. They were developed with consultation of fellow post graduate students and my supervisors. The data gathered from the field was sorted out, coded and analyzed in form of table, charts, frequencies, percentages and texts. The study established that teachers employ a variety of methods such as demonstration/illustration, question and answer method, peer tutoring, developing concepts in steps from simple to complex, use of many visual aids such as charts and counters, discussion, oral practice based on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts, group work where pupils with different levels of competency are grouped together to uplift one another, teach test where learners are given exercises to work on to gauge their competence and task analysis. The study concluded that the use of varied teaching methods enhances academic performance of learners with hearing impairment in mathematics. The study recommended that teachers should be employing varied teaching methods such as demonstration, participatory, educational technology and peer tutoring while teaching learners with hearing impairment in order to enhance their academic performance especially in mathematics.