A sign language curriculum especially for parents

Organization
Carleton University, School of Linguistics and Language Studies
Country of Implementation
Canada
Region
North America
In cooperation with
Sign Impact Netherlands,
First published
31.01.2016

The mission of this international project is to generate parent Sign Language curricula that are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Using a CEFR design means that the learning of sign languages has the same significance and structure as the learning of spoken languages.

Solution details

People

Kristin SNODDON
“It is vital that comprehensive, research-based services be provided in order to meet the sign language learning needs of families with deaf and hard-of-hearing children.” Ms. Kristin Snoddon, Carleton University

Problems Targeted

Until now, no formal curricula exist for teaching Sign Language as a second language to parents of deaf children. Where available, the existing initiatives have consisted mainly of informal teaching and discussions via home visits. However, this group is in great need of more comprehensive, research- based support. Without access to a sign language from an early age, many deaf children may be negatively affected in terms of their social and emotional development and may have incomplete knowledge of any language.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The project developed various curriculum materials, including teacher and student workbooks, sign language videos, and assessment tasks. The programme is conducted over the course of 15 weeks for the parents of deaf children. To date, the learning has focused largely on communication within everyday family contexts and on supporting parent-child communication during play. With this new curriculum, parents will be able to act as efficient communicators with their deaf children. Parents are trained through seven modules from A1 to minimal high-B2 level (based on the CEFR standard). Each participant works on his or her own learning-track and fluency, so it is possible that a specific parent will reach B1 in language acquisition and another parent reach the B2/C1 level. Parents can work on their own learning goals through a portfolio, video interaction training, home visits, and family case-studies.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

In the Netherlands, parent classes of various levels are held around the country, and new sign language teachers are trained to deliver the parent classes. There are plans to establish a network of blended learning classes consisting of e-learning classes combined with in-person classes and contact within parent networks in 3 regions of the Netherlands. In Canada, the project aims to finalize the pilot parent American Sign Language curriculum materials and to make these available to American Sign Language teachers across Canada and the United States. Plans are currently underway to develop pilot Langue des signes québécoise curriculum materials for francophone parents of deaf children. The CEFR design for parent sign language courses can easily be adapted by other countries, and can be funded by government providers or paid for by parents.

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Related information

Solutions with the same:

Country of Implementation

Canada

Region of Implementation

North America