Impact of Learning Environment on Children with a Cochlear Implant.
For children who have difficulty with interpreting and understanding speech, the listening environment could be improved to support their needs.
What was this study about?
This study assessed academic performance, communication skills, self-esteem and social development of 67 children with cochlear implants attending mainstream schools in Korea.
What were the key findings?
- Most were confident, had positive self-esteem and could communicate well in a quiet classroom. Half scored above average in general academic achievement, but academic performance was lower in some subjects.
- Many had difficulty with listening comprehension and pronunciation in English (taught as a second language). They also had trouble understanding abstract concepts in social studies and science, which are often taught with complex verbal explanations. Children with cochlear implants should be supported with supplementary materials or pre-teaching of specific vocabulary to help them integrate new information.
- Group or outdoor activities may make it difficult for children with cochlear implants to understand the class. For children who have difficulty with interpreting and understanding speech, the listening environment could be improved by changing seating arrangements or using devices such as personal FM systems.
Where can I read more about this study?
Academic Performance, Communication, and Psychosocial Development of Prelingual Deaf Children with Cochlear Implants in Mainstream Schools
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