« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
2. METHODS
2.1. STATISTICAL INFORMATION
2.1.1. INFORMATION ALREADY AVAILABLE
Relevant statistical information about numbers of deaf pupils and students was identified and explored, including data produced by central sources: the Scottish Government, the Scottish Funding Council and the Higher Education Statistics Agency. Statistical information from recent research projects, such as the 'Achievements of Deaf Pupils in Scotland' ( ADPS) project (see Section 11) and the 'Deaf Students in Scottish Higher Education' project (Brennan et al, 2005) was also examined.
It had been hoped that it would be possible to access data from relevant surveys recently undertaken by, respectively, the Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters ( SASLI) and the National Association of Tertiary Education for deaf people ( NATED). However, it proved impossible to access data from either survey, due to both ethical and practical reasons.
2.1.2. NEW INFORMATION
Surveys undertaken
In order to provide up-to-date data, specifically tailored to the remit of this study, two surveys were undertaken, and one was piloted:
a) Staff roles and qualifications within schools and services for deaf pupils
A questionnaire was designed to elicit the numbers, location and qualifications of professionals who facilitate linguistic access for deaf pupils in schools.
Categories of tick-box options relating to staff roles and qualifications were initially drawn from relevant information provided within past ADPS survey returns. We are grateful to the individual heads of HI services, and to SASLI, who provided feedback on an initial draft of the questionnaire.
The questionnaire was distributed by both email and by post. There were some complications and delays due to the effects of a national postal strike and of the autumn school break - the length and dates of which vary among local authorities.
Data was inputted, and basic descriptive analysis undertaken, using Excel software.
b) Audiology services: transition between paediatric and adult services
A short email survey was conducted among heads of audiology services across Scotland, as a response to an emergent issue about transition services for students at colleges and universities. Relevant questions were constructed in consultation with a member of the Scottish Government's Audiology Advisory Group, and the Health Department assisted with contacts.
As the numbers were small (7/14), analysis was undertaken manually.
c) Survey pilot: staff roles and qualifications in further and higher education ( F&HE)
When it became apparent that the NATED survey information on F&HE staff roles and qualifications would not be available to this study, it was decided to undertake a new survey among learning support advisors in further and higher education institutions. Content of the survey instrument was adapted from the schools survey questionnaire. After discussion with a representative of the Disabled Students Stakeholder Group, it was decided to create and distribute a web-based format.
It has been possible to pilot the questionnaire within the timescale of this project. We are grateful to the specialist advisors from further and higher education and, again, to SASLI, for their involvement in the pilot.
It is intended that the survey will be distributed by the Scottish Sensory Centre ( SSC) in early 2008, with help from the BRITE Centre and from the Disabled Students Stakeholder Group. The SSC will present analysed data to the BSL & Linguistic Access Working group as soon as is possible.
Previously unpublished ADPS data
It was possible to provide previously unpublished data from the ADPS project database, now held by the SSC. This involved exporting data from a Filemaker database for basic analysis using Excel software.
2.2. QUALITATIVE INFORMATION
Given the time and resource constraints of the project, it was agreed with the Scottish Government that a wide range of key informants would be identified, on the basis of knowledge and experience of their sector, to provide informed perspectives on the main issues within each category of provision.
While not a representative sample, a wide range of individuals and groups were in a position to provide key insights into current challenges and opportunities, and other emergent themes. The project remit was used as the basis for interview schedules, which were adapted to suit the particular sector concerned and, sometimes, to address relevant issues as they emerged.
Interviews were undertaken by the project researcher via a range of modes: face to face; telephone and email. Face to face and telephone interviews were audio-recorded, with permission, whenever feasible, in order to ensure accuracy of reporting.
Interviewees were selected on the basis of representing local and/or national perspectives, depending on the issue being explored. Appendix 2 provides a list of organisations and representatives consulted.
Interview data was coded manually, using themes which were explicit and implicit within the study remit, as well as emergent themes identified during the data collection process.
2.3. DOCUMENTARY INFORMATION
Information from other relevant literature, including research reports, policy documents, position papers and articles were identified and explored.
« Previous | Contents | Next »