Volume 51, Issue 4 p. 436-446
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

The professional structure required of primary school teachers in Japanese schools for the deaf

Risa Nara

Corresponding Author

Risa Nara

Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Correspondence

Risa Nara, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguroku, Tokyo 153-0041, Japan.

Email: [email protected]

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Ayano Ikeda

Ayano Ikeda

Faculty of Education, Art and Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan

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First published: 30 September 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the professional structure required by teachers working in primary schools for deaf students in Japan. Ten university teachers training in education for deaf students at Japanese universities participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using the KJ method of qualitative analysis based on similarity, with 409 codes, 12 categories and 99 sub-categories extracted. The results were aggregated into teaching skills and knowledge and collaborative skills categories, clarifying the specific structure of expertise required for teachers of deaf students. Teaching skills and knowledge have already been integrated into teacher training programmes; however, curriculum development for collaborative skills is required. The results of this study suggest that teachers need to acquire a wide range of professional skills to educate children with hearing impairment. We recommend improving social mechanisms for training these teachers in the future.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

There are no conflicts of interest to disclose.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Due to the nature of this research, participants of this study did not agree for their data to be shared publicly, so supporting data are not available.