Introduction: In 2016, the United States transitioned to two new braille codes for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Little is known about the experiences of teachers of ...students with visual impairments in learning and supporting their students in learning these new braille codes: Nemeth Code within Unified English Braille (UEB) Contexts and UEB Technical. Methods: Thirteen certified teachers of students with visual impairments participated in one of three focus groups during the spring of 2020. The audio files were transcribed and then analyzed. Results: Some participants reported that they were still in the process of transitioning to Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts or UEB Technical. The majority of participants learned a new code through self-study and were introducing the symbols incrementally to their students. The participants reported that their students had been successful in learning Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts or UEB Technical, but there were challenges, including inadequate lead time, in supporting their students in STEM classes. Discussion: Affordable training and professional development for learning a new code were needed. Additional resources, including grade-level charts and curricula for K-12 students, should be created for both codes. Implications for Practitioners: Teachers of students with visual impairments are an essential part of the STEM educational team for students who read braille. Supporting student learning requires specialized knowledge of the braille codes used in STEM courses and technologies for producing tactile materials. Sharing of instructional materials, existing resources, and teacher expertise throughout mentorship would benefit the field of visual impairment.
Introduction: When the United States adopted Nemeth Code within Unified English Braille (UEB) Contexts and UEB Math/Science in 2016, students who were using braille had to learn a new code for ...science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In late 2016, Bell and Silverman surveyed students about their initial experiences transitioning to a new braille code. However, to date there has not been additional research that includes students’ perspectives regarding the long-term effect of the transition to a new braille code on their ability to learn. The purpose of this study was to learn about students’ experiences in transitioning to a new braille code, whether students receive STEM braille materials in a timely manner, the technology students use in STEM, and what advice students have for teachers of students with visual impairments. Methods: In the spring of 2021, 11 middle and high school students who use braille for STEM classes participated in one of three focus groups. The data were analyzed using open-coding methods. Results: All participants had initially learned the Nemeth Braille Code for Mathematics and Science Notation and subsequently transitioned to one of the new braille codes. Students typically characterized learning a new braille code as easy. Most of the students had experienced delays in receiving braille materials, which sometimes negatively affected their ability to learn. Students reported using a variety of mainstream and assistive technologies. Discussion: Students should have consistent access to high-quality STEM materials in a timely manner in the braille code that they prefer. The students in this study articulated their preferences and were willing to advocate for themselves to overcome learning challenges in their STEM courses. Implications for Practitioners: Teachers of students with visual impairments can partner with general education STEM teachers and administrators to resolve persistent issues. Teachers can encourage students to voice their preferences and assist students in developing strategies before challenges arise.
Introduction: This study explored the impact of synchronous professional development regarding Nemeth Code Within Unified English Braille (UEB) Contexts on the knowledge and skills of 17 teachers of ...students with visual impairments. Methods: Participants attended the professional development sessions in June 2022 and submitted a pretest, posttest, final assignment, and posttraining survey. Results: Sixteen out of 17 participants scored higher on their posttest with a mean difference of 5.53. None of the participants submitted an error-free assignment. Total numbers of errors ranged from 8 to 60, and the categories with the highest percentage of errors were formatting, use of opening and terminating switch indicators, and Nemeth Code symbols. Discussion: In order to successfully progress in the general education curriculum, students who read braille must have access to timely, accurately prepared materials in all content areas including mathematics. Direct examination of the final assignment submitted by the 17 participants revealed similar error patterns to previous research. In addition, some of the participants struggled to correctly use Nemeth Code switch indicators. Implications for Practitioners: Teachers of students with visual impairments should continue to build their skills for Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts. Additional resources and professional development are urgently needed.
We explored the effectiveness of a flipped active learning pedagogy in a liberal arts mathematics course without video or interactive preparation. In both control and active learning classes, ...students were required to respond to a reading before class and take a quiz after class. During the active learning class, students worked together in groups on problems instead of listening to a lecture. This modest change in the in-class course structure showed that students were more willing to work with peers and ask questions of the instructor. Sources examined include common grade items as well as pre- and post-course attitude surveys.
In the United States, 0.05% of students aged 6 to 21 are visually impaired about one in 2000 students and 0.4% of students with disabilities served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education ...Act (IDEA, 2004) are visually impaired about one in 250 students with disabilities (McLeskey, Rosenberg, & Westling, 2018). In this paper, two manuscripts are presented, each addressing a critical issue for students with visual impairments: (1) the preparation of Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments for supporting students in high school mathematics; and (2) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the educational experiences of students with visual impairments. Data were collected through surveys of TSVIs and parents of students with visual impairments. Analysis of data from these surveys indicated that TSVIs do not (generally) feel prepared to support students with visual impairments in high school mathematics; and issues of accommodation and accessibility were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic
