MA Deaf Education International – (M.A.)

Contents

The MA in Deaf Education International is a two year part-time distance learning course. The programme consists of four taught 30-credit modules and a research study of 60 credits. All the modules are delivered and supported on-line. Students will work through the written module materials which will direct them either to readings and library research or to activities on the VLE or the field-work in their own setting. The tutorial support will provide on-line synchronous discussion rooms and students will work in groups using the asynchronous seminar activities.

Programme Aims

The aim of this programme is to provide teachers from a range of international settings with the essential and specialist knowledge needed to work across the full range of educational provision with deaf pupils that they are likely to encounter. The course content addresses the fundamental issues of language development, communication, achievement and good practice in the education of deaf children and explores policy and practice across different international contexts. Participants will develop international perspectives on deaf education provision and gain a high level of expert knowledge and understanding including:

* how communication and language and social/emotional development can be altered or delayed by the effects of mild to profound hearing loss
* the potential effects of deafness on cognition and learning and implications for educational provision
* the diverse language and communication needs of deaf pupils and implications for the learning context
* the range of communication approaches in deaf education including the nature of Sign Language and its use in bilingual/multilingual settings
* the anatomy and physiology of the ear, the physics of sound, acoustic phonetics and speech perception and how to use this in educational planning
* current issues involved in audiological intervention and support including the development of new technologies and newborn hearing screening

Module 1 provides an introduction to the impact of childhood deafness on language and cognitive development :You will focus on child and language development and the potential impact of deafness on early childhood experiences and development. Significant and current research into the linguistic and cognitive development of deaf children will be critically explored including current research into language and the brain. Deaf children´s potential for developing sign language and a spoken language and the acceptance of both languages as an appropriate means of communication and education are also discussed. You will also gain an insight into the cultural and linguistic aspects of deafness and the views and experiences of the adult deaf community and consider the educational support of deaf pupils with additional and complex needs.

Module 2 examines policy and practice in deaf education from an international perspective:This module will provide you with a foundation of professional knowledge by examining international policy and practice in deaf education. You will have the opportunity to research and reflect on deaf education provision in your own setting and make comparisons with other international settings with distinct approaches such as such as USA and Scandinavia. The historical context of the education of deaf children and an overview of current philosophies and the range of communication approaches will be reviewed and recent and relevant legislation and policy will be explored and compared internationally.

Module 3 explores issues for learning and teaching in deaf education and implications for developing educational provision:You will gain an understanding of the learning styles of deaf pupils and explore the notion of `good practice´ in terms of teaching approaches. Research into learning and teaching will be examined and key findings regarding the role of the teacher of the deaf discussed. Emphasis is placed on the development of deaf pupils´ literacy and numeracy skills and also the role of sign language is used in the educational context. The educational attainments and learning experiences of deaf pupils particularly in the areas of literacy, numeracy are reviewed and you will be are asked to reflect on implications for your own setting.

Module 4 examines the audiological issues and developments pertinent to the needs of young deaf children:You will be introduced to the key audiological issues such as the function of the ear and the physics of sound and you will gain an understanding of the aetiology and implications of different types of deafness. The module will provide you with up to date knowledge of current audiological and technical development for deaf children including digital hearting aids and cochlear implants. You will have the opportunity to survey what is available in your own setting. You will explore the role of educational audiology and the importance of ensuring optimum language and learning conditions for deaf pupils in school and effective support to both pupils and parents.

The Critical Study is an independent study of the students chosen topic in the area of international deaf education which will usually involve some empirical research:The Critical Study will address issues in the teaching and Learning of deaf children. For example, this can involve, but is not restricted to, studies of various forms of assessment of deaf children or on methods of teaching. Case studies with children in the school in the students own settings of course members are particularly encouraged. All critical studies are negotiated on an individual basis with an assigned tutor.