Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Hearing Students in an Introductory Biology Course: College Readiness, Social Learning Styles, and Success

AbstractThe maturity and development of students in baccalaureate degree programs has long been of interest to education research, but a focus on their ability to adapt to and transition between programs of study has only recently emerged. As more students with disabilities arrive in postsecondary classrooms, an improved understanding of the factors that contribute to their academic performance is warranted. For this study, the Grasha-Riechmann Student Learning Style Scales (GRSLSS) survey was administered to deaf, hard-of-hearing (DHH) and hearing students in an introductory baccalaureate biology course. This survey measures six different classroom-learning styles: Independent, Dependent, Avoidant, Participant, Collaborative, and Competitive. The DHH student sample included two distinct groups: those admitted directly into a baccalaureate science program and those who first enrolled in a science-focused Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program specifically designed for DHH students who were not fully ready academically to enter a baccalaureate program upon their original admission to the university. Correlation of students ’ Grasha-Reichmann learning styles scores, hearing status, year level, and composite ACT score with first-term and full-year General Biology GPA was investigated. Analysis of statistical results shows that a student’s composite ACT score significantly predicts earned General Biology grade while the GRSLSS Competitive and Dependent scores have smaller...
Source: Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities - Category: Disability Source Type: research