TEACHING TIPS
In most ways, teaching children who are hearing impaired is just like
interacting with any other child. However, there are some basic guidelines
which will make the experience more enriching and productive for both teacher
and student.
CREATING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT
Learners who are hearing impaired have a particular need to feel that they
are welcome and that they belong socially. It is important to take the time
to smile, to introduce them to their classmates, to share personal information,
to find other people with common interests, and to invite children to join
in extra-curricular activities. Children who receive praise and encouragement
will be more willing to take risks and grow.
Expanding the ability to communicate with others takes time and patience.
Students with hearing loss should continually be encouraged and actively
taught communication skills such as questioning, listening, speaking, reporting,
reading and writing. They need opportunities to work cooperatively in groups
and to expand general communication skills such as paraphrasing, reporting
and summarizing.
Without the benefit of hearing, an abundance of visual information is extemely
important. Board notes, handouts, glossaries, course books, multi-media
materials, closed captioning, hands-on research, other students' notes,
and pictures can greatly facilitate learning and interest.
Speaking clearly, normally and directly will also aid understanding, as
will optimizing lighting in order to to read and observe the speech of peers
and teachers.
The availability of assistive listening devices and appropriate technology
such as FM systems, phone amplifiers, silent overhead projectors, closed
caption decoders is also important. Be mindful that low general noise levels
provide optimum listening environments. Don't place hearing impaired students
near a gymnasium or band room.
Be proactive! Seek out individuals who understand the educational implications
of hearing loss. Encourage people to ask questions about deafness. Include
materials in the classroom which address hearing loss. Books, films, videotapes,
special articles, posters, and other visual aids are all excellent resources.
Research and discuss positive role models such as artists, writers, scientists,
and teachers.
FACILITATING COMPREHENSION
Non-verbal communication with hearing impaired students is crucial. Make
sure your students with hearing loss can always see your face. This will
help them to speechread and get meaning clues. Also, remember to use smiles
to encourage, invite, and include.
Speaking naturally is most helpful to a student with hearing loss. Talking
very loudly or over-denunciating actually hinders understanding. Try to
avoid standing in front of lights or windows. This causes facial shadows
which can be distracting and make speechreading confusing.
Where is the best place for achieving maximum information within the normal
flow of classroom activities? Hearing impaired students will appreciate
a discussion concerning seating arrangements in the room.
Organizing information can also be very useful. An outline of the class
agenda--just 3 or 4 points jotted on the board-- helps students get a sense
of purpose, direction, and timing for both short and long term assignments.
Also, providing course listings, outlines of upcoming topics and assignments,
class schedules, room numbers and people who can offer assistance (such
as the counselor or school secretary) can lower stress and enable better
time managment.
Vocabulary lists with definitions of new terms and concepts used during
the day will help students develop personalized dictionaries.
If there is a class discussion or group work, try summarizing on a chalkboard
or with another visual aid. Ask classroom teams or "buddies" to
generate notes or outlines of their work using large format paper. Then
encourage them to make group presentations.
Always be on the lookout for ways to clarify information and enhance learning.
Remember, when you put yourself in the other person's shoes, it's a real
learning experience for everyone!
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