Title:
THE ROLE OF DIDACTIC MATERIALS IN DEAF STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN CAMEROON

Authors:
Enow Parris Cecilia Bechem ,Cameroon

Abstract:
According to the Cameroon General Certificate of Education board results (2011), no deaf school has ever recorded a 20% pass in the GCE O/L official exams. Inaccessibility of print, audiovisual and electronic interactive materials is the main cause. Irregular attendance affects effective participation whereby academic activities are interrupted, curriculum content is not covered and most importantly, there are decreased opportunities to learn. This study was done in Buea School for the Deaf in the Southwest region of Cameroon. This descriptive survey made use of a questionnaire, interview and observation guides. The sample of the study was 8 teachers and 20 form five students. Findings indicate that 5 (25%) out of 20 students barely had didactic materials. 6 (75%) out of 8 teachers used abstract materials during lessons; It was concluded that the importance of instructional materials cannot be overemphasized. Students are bound to fail when these materials are absent