Teaching Cell to 6th Grade Students with Visual Impairment

Abstract

In this study, the design process of a model for the teaching of science concepts related to the ‘cell’ subject in 6th grade students with visual impairment (SVI) was discussed and the effectiveness of this design was evaluated from various aspects. Design Based Research method was used in this research which is based on ADDIE model for instructional design. In the first stage of the three-stage instructional design, the individual learning needs of the six SVI and their levels of learning the basic concepts in the ‘cell’ subject were determined. In the second stage, the teaching materials and activities were designed in accordance with the determined needs and the designed teaching model was tested on nine SVI in 6th grade. In the last stage, the instructional design was evaluated in terms of applicability, usefulness and contribution to concept learning. Semi-structured observation and interview forms were used as data collection tools and the obtained qualitative data were analyzed by using descriptive analysis approach. As a result of the study, it was determined that the teaching model designed in accordance with the determined needs contribute the students to learn the concepts of ‘Cell’ subject effectively and to reach the related acquirements.