Abstract:

Sign language is one of the methods the hearing impaired individuals use to communicate. The teachers have a great responsibility in the use of sign language as a communication tool in educational environments. Thus, it is important to train teachers who know sign language and can actively use it in education. This study aims to examine the opinions of the faculty of education students who take elective sign language course related to Turkish Sign Language education. In this study, which has been performed in descriptive design, semi-structured interview technique from among qualitative research methods was used.  For this purpose, a semi-structured interview form was prepared and an expert's opinion was received. 62 preservice teachers from four different departments (Guidance and Counseling, Primary Science Teaching, Computer Education and Instructional Technologies, Primary School Teaching) who had completed sign language education were interviewed face-to-face. NVivo program was used for the detailed and holistic analysis of the findings which reflected the opinions of the preservice teachers. The data were divided into four main themes: "Effectiveness of Turkish Sign Language in daily communication", "Having hearing impaired family members, relatives or friends", "Necessity (interest) for the Turkish Sign Language", "Academic Efficacy of the Turkish Sign Language". The findings of this study are thought to be able to contribute to the sign language course programs and professional competency of the teachers who will serve in the field of special education.

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