Uncertainty Reduction Of Deaf Students In Online Classes At University During Pandemic Covid-19

The outbreak of COVID-19 has an impact on the education aspect. Face-to-face learning is also prohibited and requires the implementation of distance learning. This incidental transformation in the learning process has shocked both students and teachers, especially Deaf students who experience a lot of uncertainty and communication barriers. This study aims to determine the uncertainty reduction strategy as self-adjustment for Deaf students when facing communication barriers in online classes at university. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method using a purposive sampling technique. Data collection techniques in this study use semi-structural in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. At the same time, the data analysis used interactive qualitative data analysis by Miles and Huberman which consists of data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and concluding. To ensure the validity of the data, the researcher used source triangulation. The results showed that Deaf students experienced cognitive uncertainty and behavioral uncertainty. Therefore, they apply uncertainty reduction strategies, including passive, active, and interactive strategies. The passive strategy is through observation by lip reading and using the instant transcription. Whereas the active strategy is to look for information through the third person, such as their parents, search for data on the internet and social media. Deaf students also use interactive strategies by interacting directly with friends and lecturers to understand lecture material