What's the Sign for Help? A Study Investigating the Use of Sign Language in Hearing Classrooms
Graduation Date
Spring 2000
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Grace Grant, EdD
Abstract
Discussed in this paper is the use of sign language in a hearing classroom and the multiple benefits to both teacher and student. Sign language was used for organized structure to aid in classroom management; to increase social communication and interaction; and for academic improvement for all students, especially those whose comprehension is more rapidly absorbed through multisensory learning, those whose primary language is not English, and those with learning disabilities.
Through observation, interviews, and research, this study focuses on determining the advantages and/or disadvantages of using sign language with hearing students. The findings overwhelmingly conclude that sign language is a vital teaching tool.