Tsega, Sewalem (PhD)Tameru, Hailemariam2018-08-082023-11-052018-08-082023-11-052014-11http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/11321The purpose of this study was to investigation the practices and challenges of using sign language as a medium of instruction in two primary schools of Deaf students’ classes in Addis Ababa. To achieve this end, the research employed descriptive survey research methodology. A total of 133 respondents participated as the source of data. 90 students with hearing impairment, 31 teachers 4 principals and 8 parents were involved in the study. Questionnaires, classroom observation and interview were used as data gathering tools. The collected data were analyzed using both quantitatively and qualitatively using frequency counts, percentages and descriptive phrases. The finding of the study indicated that students, teachers, principals and parents were supportive of using sign language as the medium of instruction. It was also found that sign language textbooks are not prepared based on the grade level of students with hearing impairment. The findings of the study also revealed that lack of sufficient training of teachers in the language, shortage of involvement by parents in schools in the activities were the major problems identified during the study. Based on the finding and conclusions, the study makes recommendations which include teachers’ sufficient training, supply of necessary curricular materials, professionals support, mobilizing the community and education offices. The study also recommended some better ways and means for further implementation of sign language as a medium of instruction facilities are almost absent. Moreover, lack of commitment and interest by some teachers to teach in the language, a mismatch between the trained program and the knowledge gained when put in actual practice, shortage of involvement by parents in school activities were the major problems identified during the study. Thus, to solve the above problems recommendations were forwarded. Providing training, supply of necessary curricular materials, professionals support, mobilizing the community and education offices. The study also recommended some better ways and means for further implementation of sign language as a medium of instructionenUsing “Sign Language” as a medium of InstructionThesis