Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/educating-deaf-children

Introduction

## Course Review: Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher In recent years, the conversation surrounding inclusive education has gained significant traction, recognizing that every child, regardless of their abilities, deserves access to quality learning experiences. One of the most critical areas needing attention is the education of Deaf children. "Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher," a 4-week online course offered on Coursera, dives deep into this vital subject, equipping educators with essential knowledge and skills to support Deaf learners effectively. ### Overview This course addresses the stark reality that many Deaf children around the globe leave school functionally illiterate. It emphasizes the significance of understanding Deaf culture and community, creating a language-rich environment for Deaf children as early as possible, and the benefits of access to sign language for academic and emotional development. Designed for both new and experienced educators, this course offers invaluable insights that can transform educational practices and enhance the learning experiences for Deaf students. ### Syllabus Breakdown #### Week 1: The Experience of Being Deaf and How It Impacts Learning The course kicks off by exploring the unique experiences of Deaf children. Participants hear directly from Deaf students involved in a comprehensive research project, alongside insights from Deaf guest presenters. This week’s assessment, a graded quiz, challenges learners to synthesize their understanding of the Deaf experience and its implications for learning. A discussion forum further encourages participants to reflect on their insights, creating a community of exchange and support. #### Week 2: The Role of Teachers in Developing Resilience in Deaf Children The focus shifts to the critical roles educators play in fostering resilience among Deaf learners. Drawing on the expertise of professionals such as counselors, occupational therapists, and audiologists, this week helps participants understand communication, emotional, and social development in Deaf children. A quiz at the end assesses comprehension while an optional Honors lesson allows for deeper engagement through a written assignment reviewed by peers. #### Week 3: Creating an Accessible Learning Experience Week three centers on practical strategies for creating inclusive learning environments. Participants learn to identify barriers Deaf children face and are equipped with tools to make classrooms more accessible. This week’s emphasis on actionable teaching methods ensures that all students can thrive. A graded quiz and a discussion forum encourage ongoing reflection and peer interaction. #### Week 4: Becoming an Empowered Teacher As the course concludes, participants reflect on their journey towards empowerment as educators. Guest presenters share insights on self-care, building supportive networks, collaborating with teaching assistants, and engaging parents in the educational process. The final written assignment allows participants to articulate their learning and experiences, solidifying their growth as advocates for Deaf children. ### Course Evaluation **Content Quality: 9/10** The course content is meticulously crafted, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. The inclusion of guest speakers adds authenticity and enhances the learning experience. **Interaction and Engagement: 8/10** The structure of weekly quizzes and discussion forums promotes engagement and helps build a sense of community among participants. However, more interactive elements, such as live Q&A sessions, could further enhance the experience. **Relevance and Applicability: 10/10** Given the pressing need for effective teaching strategies for Deaf children, this course is incredibly relevant. The insights gained are directly applicable in educational settings, making it a valuable resource for any educator. **Overall Experience: 9/10** This course delivers a comprehensive, empowering journey that encourages educators to advocate for Deaf students. The structured approach, alongside the emphasis on self-reflection and community building, makes it a commendable choice for teachers eager to make a difference. ### Recommendation I highly recommend "Educating Deaf Children: Becoming an Empowered Teacher" to anyone involved in education—whether you are a classroom teacher, a special education teacher, or an administrator looking to enhance inclusivity in your school. This course not only enriches understanding of Deaf culture and learning challenges but also equips educators with the tools needed to foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Taking this course could very well be the key step in your journey toward becoming a more effective and empowered educator for Deaf children.

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 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.

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.

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.