Sign Language Interpreters and Self Efficacy as Predictors of Academic Achievement of Students with Hearing Impairment in Biology in Oyo State, Nigeria

The study examined sign language interpreters and self-efficacy as predictors of achievement of students with hearing impairment in biology. Survey design of correlation type was adopted for the study. The population comprised all schools with students with hearing impairments in Senior Secondary Schools in Oyo State, Nigeria. 224 students with hearing impairment were drawn from seven schools that offered biology in West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations. A purposive sampling technique was used to select students with hearing impairment from the schools. Students’ Inventory on Instructional Supports (SIIS) and Students’ Self Efficacy Formative Questionnaire Scale (SSEFQS) were used to collect data. The face and content validity of the instruments were ascertained. The reliability coefficient Of Students’ Inventory on Instructional Supports (SIIS) was determined using Cronbach Alpha and it was found to be reliable at 0.77 while the students’ self- efficacy scale was determined using Cronbach Alpha and it was found to be 0.78. Based on the findings, it was recommended that teachers should provide opportunities in class and support to students with hearing impairments to enable them participate in the teaching and learning processes in a bid to create better teacher-students’ interactions and enhance learners’ academic achievement in Biology. Students should improve on their ability to complete a task successfully. School principals should organize sign language workshops and seminars to improve academic achievement of students with hearing impairment in Biology among others.