WELCOME TO KENTERPRO:
IMPACT OF BRAILLE READING ON THE MATHEMATICAL PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS IN SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND GINDIRI

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

Ability to read and write is the foundation of education, those who learn to read early in life read to learn well in life. Reading is the interpretation of prints or Braille, the writer has something to say on one hand and the reader uses his post about the topic to find out what the author has to say. When someone reads, the words are interpreted in his brain; the reader gets information and acquires knowledge or main message. Writing on the other hand, is a means of communication. We communicate in writing in different ways depending on the purpose, we write to narrate an event, describe a scene, and explain a process, and so on (Babuje, Opara, Mangvwatand Chigwong, 2018). All over the world today, educational processes are largely dependent upon printed words and how best one can reconstruct the messages that have been encoded by the writer. Research has shown that 80% of learning is by vision (Ozoji & Abozi, 2005). This means that persons with visual impairment only have 20% to be compensated with other senses. Perhaps attempt to educate the persons with visual impairment would have been a failure without the development and introduction of Braille as their major system of reading and writing. No wonder, Different people at different times made different attempts to enable this category of people to communicate with one another in writing (i.e. Braille). Notable of these attempts were those of Valentin Hauy, Charles Barbier and Lois Braille (Abang, 2005).

Visual impairment, also known as vision loss or blindness, refers to any condition that results in a decreased ability to see. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 2.2 billion people worldwide have some form of visual impairment, with over 1 billion of these cases being preventable or treatable. According to American Academy of Ophthalmology (2021) Visual impairment is a condition that affects the ability of a person to see. It is a disability that is caused by various factors, including genetic abnormalities, diseases, and accidents. In most cases, visual impairment affects a person’s ability to read and write. However, there are ways to overcome this challenge, and one of the most effective methods is by using Braille.

Braille remains the major and the most important means of communication for those who are both totally and partially blind. Even in most cases those who can manage to read large print prefer braille because facilities for large print are almost non existence In Nigerian Schools (Ozoji & Abozi, 2005). Braille is a system of reading and writing that uses a series of raised dots to represent letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. It was invented by Louis Braille in 1824 and has since been used to help visually impaired people to communicate and read. Braille is based on a system of 63 different combinations of dots, including spaces, which can represent all the letters of the alphabet, numbers, and punctuation marks. The dots are arranged in two columns of three dots each, and each combination of dots represents a different letter, number, or punctuation mark (Bidi, 2017).

Visual impairment can be a significant barrier to learning, particularly in subjects like mathematics that rely heavily on visual representation and spatial reasoning. However, advancements in assistive technologies have provided new opportunities for students with visual impairments to access educational materials in alternative formats, such as braille. Braille is a tactile writing system that enables individuals with visual impairments to read and write through touch. For students with visual impairments, learning to read and write in braille can be a critical step towards accessing and engaging with mathematical concepts. The School for the Blind Gindiri is an educational institution in Nigeria that caters to students with visual impairments. The school provides a range of educational services, including instruction in braille and assistive technologies, to support students’ learning and development. In recent years, educators and researchers at the school have focused on exploring the impact of braille reading on the mathematical performance of students with visual impairments. Mathematics is a subject that requires visual skills, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. These skills are especially important in higher-level mathematics, such as algebra and calculus. Students with visual impairment may face challenges in learning mathematics due to their limited ability to see mathematical symbols and diagrams. Therefore, it is essential to understand the impact of Braille reading on the mathematical performance of students with visual impairment in school for the Blind, Gindiri.

1.2       Statement of the problem

Visual impairment poses a significant challenge to learning, particularly in the field of mathematics, which heavily relies on visual representations and symbols. Students with visual impairment face many challenges in their academic performance, particularly in subjects like mathematics that require visualization and spatial reasoning. While assistive technologies, such as Braille reading and writing, have been developed to support the learning of students with visual impairments, the impact of Braille reading on mathematical performance remains an open question. Reading and comprehending math textbooks can be a daunting task for students with visual impairment, as traditional textbooks are primarily designed for sighted learners. One way to enhance the learning experience for visually impaired students is by using Braille, a tactile writing system that enables them to read and comprehend math content independently. However, despite the potential benefits of Braille, little research has been conducted on its impact on mathematical performance for students with visual impairment in School for the Blind Gindiri. Therefore, the problem that this study seeks to address is the impact of Braille reading on the mathematical performance of students with visual impairment in School for the Blind Gindiri.

1.3       Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of braille reading on the mathematical performance of students with visual impairments in School for the Blind Gindiri. The specific objective is:

1. To examine the importance of Braille in teaching mathematics to students with visual impairment in School for the Blind Gindiri
2. To determine the challenges facing the use of Braille in teaching mathematics to students with visual impairment in School for the Blind Gindiri
3. To profer Strategies for promoting use of braille in teaching Mathematics to students with visual impairment in School for the Blind Gindiri.

1.4       Research Questions

The research questions that guided this study include:

1. To what extent has Braille being of importance in the teaching of mathematics to students with visual impairment in School for the Blind Gindiri
2. What are the challenges facing the use of Braille in teaching mathematics to students with visual impairment in School for the Blind Gindiri?
3. What are the Strategies for promoting use of braille in teaching Mathematics to students with visual impairment in School for the Blind Gindiri?

1.5       Scope of the Study

This study focused on the impact of braille reading on the mathematical performance of students with visual impairments. The study was confined to students with visual impairment in School for the Blind Gindiri alone.

1.6       Significance of the Study

The study on the impact of Braille reading on the mathematical performance of students with visual impairments in School for the Blind Gindiri will be of significance to the following stakeholders: Students with visual impairment, special teachers, school; parents; government and researchers.

This study was significant to students with visual impairment because it seeks to determine if Braille reading can improve their mathematical performance. If the study finds that Braille reading is effective in improving mathematical skills, it could have a positive impact on the academic performance of students with visual impairment.

The study was also significant to special teachers who work with students with visual impairment. If the study shows that Braille reading is effective in improving mathematical skills, it could encourage teachers to incorporate more Braille reading into their teaching methods, which could enhance their ability to teach students with visual impairment.

The study was significant to the School for the Blind Gindiri because it can provide insights into the effectiveness of Braille reading in improving mathematical performance among students with visual impairment. The study findings showed positive results, hence the school can consider incorporating Braille reading into its curriculum to enhance the learning outcomes of students with visual impairment.

The study was significant to parents of students with visual impairment because it can provide insights into the effectiveness of Braille reading in improving their child’s mathematical skills. Parents can use this information to advocate for the use of Braille reading in their child’s school or at home.

The study was significant to the government because it could inform policies aimed at improving the educational outcomes of students with visual impairment. the study findings showed that Braille reading is effective in improving mathematical performance among students with visual impairment, the government hence should consider investing more in the production and distribution of Braille materials to schools for the blind.

Finally, the study was significant to researchers who are interested in the field of special education and visual impairment.  The study findings showed positive results, it encouraged further research on the use of Braille reading in improving academic performance among students with visual impairment.

1.7       Definitions of Operational Terms

Braille: Braille is a system of reading and writing for people who are blind or visually impaired. It is a tactile writing system that allows individuals to read and write using their sense of touch. Braille consists of a series of raised dots that can be felt with the fingers.

Reading: Reading refers to the process of interpreting written or printed words and comprehending their meaning. It involves recognizing and understanding written symbols, such as letters, words, and sentences.

Writing: Writing is the process of using written language to express ideas, thoughts, and information. It involves composing words, sentences, and paragraphs using a system of symbols, such as letters and punctuation marks.

Braille Reading and Writing: Braille reading and writing refers to the ability to read and write using the Braille system.

Visual Impairment: Visual impairment refers to a condition in which a person’s vision is significantly impaired, making it difficult to perform everyday activities that require visual acuity. Visual impairment can range from partial sight to complete blindness.

Mathematics: Mathematics is a branch of science that deals with the study of numbers, quantities, and shapes, as well as their relationships, operations, and measurements. It includes topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and calculus.

Mathematics Performance: Mathematics performance refers to an individual’s ability to understand and apply mathematical concepts and principles. It can be assessed through various measures, such as tests, exams, and assignments.

Braille Code: Braille code refers to the system of symbols used in the Braille system to represent letters, numbers, and other characters. The Braille code consists of combinations of raised dots that are arranged in cells to represent different letters, numbers, and punctuation marks.