Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher from Coursera

Many Deaf children around the world still leave school functionally illiterate. In some cases, there is no allowance made for the education of Deaf children at all. This 4-week course provides you with invaluable knowledge and skills about teaching Deaf children. You will learn about the importance of Deaf culture and community, the need for a language-rich environment for the Deaf child from as young as possible, and that having access to sign language can help Deaf children academically, emotionally, and socially. We also cover various accommodations and modifications that you can apply in your classroom and learning environment to create an accessible learning experience for Deaf children. You will also find that a shift in attitude will enable you to connect with Deaf children with more understanding.

This course does not teach sign language since each country has its own sign language. We hope that through this course you become an empowered teacher - for yourself, for your fellow teachers, and most importantly, for the Deaf children in your classroom.

You will be able to purchase a Verified Certificate if you wish to show evidence of your achievements, but this is optional, and you may apply for Financial Aid if you are unable to pay the certificate fee.

What's inside

Syllabus

The experience of being Deaf and how it impacts learning

Welcome to the first week of the course! In this week, you will be finding out about the experience of being Deaf from school children who participated in the TEDI research project as well as from three Deaf guest presenters. Being Deaf impacts learning and it is important to start the course with this awareness. The assessment in this week is a graded quiz at the end of the week. You will also have an opportunity to share some of your thoughts and reflections in the discussion forum. As a reminder, this course does not teach sign language since each country has its own sign language. We hope you enjoy the first week of the course!

The role of teachers in developing resilience in Deaf children

The second week in this course focuses on knowledge about the Deaf child's communication, emotional, and social development. This type of knowledge is crucial for teachers working with Deaf children, as it can inform teaching practices and greatly contribute to becoming an empowered teacher. In this week, you will hear from various experts, such as a counselor, an occupational therapist, and an audiologist, who will share their knowledge and experiences regarding Deaf children's development. At the end of this week there is a graded quiz and an opportunity for reflection through discussion. This week also includes an optional Honors lesson with a written assignment that will be reviewed by your peers.

Creating an accessible learning experience

Welcome to the third week of the course! In this week, we will look at creating classroom and learning experiences that are accessible to Deaf children. We know that every child has a right to quality education and in the previous two weeks you have learnt about the barriers to learning that Deaf children face and how excluded they often are from education. The content we bring to you in this week will show you how you can ensure that Deaf children are able to access learning by making your classroom, teaching methods, and assessments accessible. This week includes a graded quiz at the end of the week. You will also have an opportunity to share your reflections and experiences with your peers in the discussion forum at the end of the week.

Becoming an empowered teacher

Welcome to the last week of the course! Your journey to becoming an empowered teacher is ending. We hope that you have learnt valuable new practices in the previous three weeks. In this last week, the guest presenters discuss some internal and external aspects that you as teachers of Deaf children can focus on that can help you become a stronger and more effective teacher. These aspects include taking care of yourself, building support around you, working with teaching assistants, and collaborating with parents. By the end of the week, you will have completed your journey to becoming an empowered teacher and you will have an opportunity to reflect on the knowledge that you have gained through a written assignment that will be reviewed by your peers. You will also be able to share some reflections and final thoughts with your peers in the discussion forum at the end of the week.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Appropriate for teachers who work with Deaf children

Prerequisites: None. However, requires teachers to have a foundational understanding of education, including the principles of Deaf culture and how it impacts learning

Covers accommodations and modifications for creating accessible learning experiences for Deaf children

Emphasizes the importance of a language-rich environment for Deaf children from a young age

Provides insights from experts in various fields related to Deaf children, such as counselors, occupational therapists, and audiologists

Reviews summary

Empowering deaf education professionals

Learners say that this engaging course is largely positive for teachers seeking professional development or those new to working with deaf children. The course delves into practical strategies for creating empowering educational experiences for deaf children. Through readings, assignments, and videos, experienced instructors cover essential topics such as communication, teaching methodologies, and meeting the needs and overcoming challenges of deaf students.

Presents engaging and informative content that helps learners understand the needs and challenges of deaf students.

"The course and the contents of the course are awesome."

"I found the course to be engaging, informative and well set out."

Provides valuable strategies to support the education of deaf children.

"It provided me with details and strategies on how to assist learners with different hearing abilities."

Empowers educators to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for deaf students.

"I'm encouraged to go to another level."

"From this couse we can learn how to be deaf and what communication is learned in order to interact with other creatures."

Delays in certificate issuance due to peer review process.

"peer review takes way too long and dosen't work in this case with not set number of students or deadline."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher with these activities:

Review topic: Language and identity

Show steps

Activate your existing knowledge of language and identity to build a strong foundation for this course.

Show steps

Read the syllabus and course overview.
Re-read your notes and assignments from previous courses that covered language and identity.
Brainstorm a list of key concepts and theories related to language and identity.

Connect with a Deaf individual or organization

Show steps

Establish a connection with the Deaf community to gain insights and perspectives beyond the classroom.

Show steps

Reach out to local organizations or community groups that support Deaf individuals.
Attend events or workshops where you can meet and interact with Deaf people.

Practice Deaf culture and sign language

Show steps

Practice Deaf culture and sign language with native users to improve fluency and understanding.

Browse courses on Deaf Culture

Show steps

Find a Deaf community group or online forum to interact with native signers.
Attend Deaf cultural events to immerse yourself in the community.
Practice signing daily with a Deaf person or through online resources.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Explore online resources on Deaf culture

Show steps

Supplement your understanding of Deaf culture beyond the materials provided in the course.

Show steps

Visit the website of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).
Watch a documentary or TED Talk about Deaf culture.

Practice sign language using an online app

Show steps

Gain practical experience in signing to enhance your understanding of Deaf communication.

Show steps

Download a sign language learning app.
Complete at least one lesson or module.

Volunteer at a Deaf community organization

Show steps

Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the Deaf community while enhancing your understanding of their culture and needs.

Show steps

Identify Deaf community organizations in your area.
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a regular volunteer schedule.

Develop a poster presentation on an aspect of Deaf education

Show steps

Synthesize your knowledge and demonstrate your understanding of key issues in Deaf education.

Show steps

Choose a specific aspect of Deaf education to focus on.
Research and gather information from credible sources.
Design and create a visually appealing poster.
Present your poster to your classmates or a wider audience.

Start a project to create a curriculum unit on Deaf culture

Show steps

Apply your knowledge and skills to develop a teaching resource that promotes inclusivity and understanding of Deaf culture.

Show steps

Identify the age group and subject area you want to focus on.
Research and gather information on Deaf culture, communication, and education.
Develop lesson plans and activities that incorporate Deaf perspectives and experiences.
Pilot your curriculum unit in a classroom setting.

Career center

Learners who complete Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Teacher of the Deaf

Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher is an excellent course that can help you start, advance, or excel within the Teaching Deaf Education field. As a Teacher of the Deaf, you will be responsible for educating Deaf children. This course will teach you the importance of Deaf culture and community, the need for a language-rich environment for Deaf children, and the many accommodations and modifications that you can apply within your instruction to create an accessible learning experience for students. Including a certificate from this course on your resume will demonstrate that you are an empowered and knowledgeable teacher who is dedicated to the success of your Deaf students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher of the Deaf

Special Education Teacher

Supplement your credential by taking Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher to increase your impact on Special Education students. Special Education Teachers are responsible for providing instruction to students with disabilities. This course will provide you with strategies and techniques to use with students with hearing disabilities and create a more accessible learning experience. Enrolling in this course can help you become a more effective and inclusive educator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Special Education Teacher

Audiologist

Audiologists help people who have hearing loss by assessing their condition and recommending treatment options. This course is a great resource for Audiologists as it provides information on how to support Deaf children in educational settings. This will help you in your work with Deaf children and their families and shows that you are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audiologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists evaluate and treat individuals with speech, language, and swallowing disorders. This course can help you become a more effective Speech-Language Pathologist when working with Deaf children. It will provide you with knowledge on how to support their communication development and create a more accessible learning experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Sign Language Interpreter

As a Sign Language Interpreter, you facilitate communication between Deaf and hearing people. Taking Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher will help you to better understand the needs of Deaf children and provide more effective interpretation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sign Language Interpreter

Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants work with schools and families to provide support and guidance on educational matters. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the challenges that Deaf children face in the educational system and how to address them. This knowledge will make you a more valuable resource for your clients and help you to advocate for the needs of Deaf children.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

School Administrator

School Administrators are responsible for the overall operation of a school. This course will expand your knowledge base on Deaf education and help you create a more inclusive learning environment for all students.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Administrator

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers develop and deliver learning experiences. This course on Deaf education provides critical insights that can help you create more accessible and engaging learning experiences for Deaf children. It will also help you to better understand the unique learning needs of Deaf students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and develop educational programs and materials. This course will help you to create more accessible and effective learning materials for Deaf children. It will also provide you with a better understanding of the unique needs of Deaf learners.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Educational Researcher

Educational Researchers conduct research on educational topics. This course can help you to design and conduct research studies on the education of Deaf children. It will also provide you with a deeper understanding of the challenges that Deaf children face in the educational system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Researcher

Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

TESOL teachers help students who are learning English as a second language. This course may be useful for TESOL teachers who work with Deaf students. It will provide you with a better understanding of the challenges that Deaf students face in learning English and how to address them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Linguist

Linguists study language. This course may be useful for Linguists who are interested in studying sign language or the language development of Deaf children. It will provide you with a basic understanding of the Deaf community and how sign language works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Linguist

Disability Advocate

Disability Advocates work to protect the rights of people with disabilities. This course may be useful for Disability Advocates who work with Deaf children. It will provide you with an overview of the challenges that Deaf children face and how to advocate for their rights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disability Advocate

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities to live independently. This course may be useful for Occupational Therapists who work with Deaf children. It will provide you with an overview of the challenges that Deaf children face and how to help them develop the skills they need to live independently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation Counselors help people with disabilities to find employment and live independently. This course may be useful for Rehabilitation Counselors who work with Deaf children. It will provide you with an overview of the challenges that Deaf children face and how to help them develop the skills they need to live independently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Rehabilitation Counselor