The Language Game Method in Increasing Vocabulary and Reading Skills of Students with Hearing Disabilities

Abstract

Students with hearing disabilities normally have affect on language acquisition. The purpose of this study was to identify the effectiveness of a language game method that uses the Language Game Kit to improve vocabulary and reading skills of students with hearing disabilities. This experimental study, uses quantitative methods and cognitive learning theory. The Learning Model used was modified from Barrows Schmidt, Tan, Terry & Moore. A total of 20 students with hearing loss from a school were tested with the Reading Literacy Screening Instrument Screening 2 Year 1 2015. The samples were divided into control groups and experimental groups of 10 individuals each. Both groups were tested with pre- and post-test. Results were collected and analyzed statistic descriptively involving frequency, percentage and group differences. The results showed that there was an increase in vocabulary and reading skills from the experimental group. The findings of the study also found that there was an increase in reading ability at construct 11 and 12 of the Malaysia's Ministry of Education Reading Literacy Screening Instrument Screening 2 Year 1 2015. Overall, the use of the Language Teaching Kit can improve vocabulary and reading skills.