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International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research
Vol. 23, No. 4, pp. 298-319, April 2024
https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.4.16
Received Feb 10, 2024; Revised Apr 22, 2024; Accepted Apr 24, 2024
Perspectives of Peers as a Microsystem for Supporting
Deaf Students in Inclusive Elementary Schools
Betya Sahara
Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Mumpuniarti Mumpuniarti , Suwarjo Suwarjo and
Muhammad Syamsuri
Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Abstract. Peers play a crucial role in facilitating student participation,
fostering interaction and unlocking the potential for development,
thereby providing an experiential glimpse into living within inclusive or
diverse societal settings. This study delves into the perspectives of peers
regarding the inclusion of their hearing-impaired counterparts within
the classroom microsystem. Focused on the relatively unexplored terrain
of typical peers' viewpoints on the presence of hearing-impaired
students, this research engages one hundred and twenty-one peers from
students with hearing impairments at regular elementary school levels
in Banjarbaru City, Indonesia, and their teachers from six classes across
different schools. The recruitment process utilized purposive sampling
for interviews and a questionnaire, with the gathered data subjected to
thematic analysis. Employing the Miles & Huberman model, the data
analysis follows a three-fold path encompassing data reduction,
presentation, and conclusion/verification. The study underscores the
significance of peer management within the microsystem, highlighting
its role in aiding the development of proximal zones in the classroom for
students with hearing impairments. Drawing from the findings, the
study recommends two key interventions. Firstly, teachers are
encouraged to foster understanding among peers about hearing-
impaired students through targeted learning activities, thereby
transforming the microsystem into a supportive environment. Secondly,
within the classroom microsystem, both teachers and peers are urged to
establish a common language applicable to all elements of the class. This
concerted effort aims to enhance communication and interaction,
fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all
students.
Keywords: Peers Inclusion; Inclusive Education; Hearing-Impaired
Students; Classroom Microsystem; Thematic Analysis