The Challenges of Science Education for Deaf Children Learning at Sekolah Luar Biasa (Extraordinary School) In Sukoharjo

Abstract

Deaf children are children who experience impairment in their hearing both permanent and nonpermanent. Hence they will have difficulty in learning. For deaf children, Natural Science (IPA) is a fairly difficult learning subject that many hearing impaired children have not managed to understand the subject well enough. This study aimed to describe the challenges in educating deaf children in science subjects. This study uses a qualitative descriptive study. Sources of research data are teachers, students and Headmaster. The techniques of collecting data are using questionnaires, interviews, documentation and observation. Special School’s study located in Sukoharjo includes SLB ABCD YSD Polokarto, SLB B-C Hamongputro Jombor, SLB B-C YPALB Langenharjo and SLB ABC Tawangsari. The data were analyzed through data reduction, data display and conclusion. The conclusion is presented in the form of narrative text as field’s note. The result shows that there are some challenges experienced in educating deaf children in Natural Science, which includes limited capability of hearing and lingual understanding, many abstract concepts in science subject, textbooks that are not in accordance with the lingual characteristics of children with hearing impairment, the lack of teacher’s ability to simplify the sentence in the subject and the inadequacy of specialized learning media for deaf children.