As a teacher for students with a hearing impairment, you are engaging in the process of helping them learn academic content material by helping them learn how to process and apply the information in and beyond the classroom. Below you will find some teaching tips that will provide strategies to make learning fun and engaging for students in your classroom.
Have the student sit closer!
To simplify the process of studying for students with hearing disabilities you should have them sit closer. If they lip read, try to speak slowly. If you have a mustache (male teachers) keep it well trimmed so that the students can see your lips and female teachers, if you have hair that is constantly falling in your face, keep it secure so that students can lip read the entire lesson and not just parts of it.
The interpreter
Some students with a hearing impairment can use an interpreter. In this case you should always speak directly to the student. Make sure you give them both a chance to become familiar with the study material before the class. It's important that the student can always see his interpreter who will provide direct instruction from your lips to the student who is eagerly processing the interpretive information..
The interpreter is not allowed to give his opinion regarding the student's grades. Also all the questions have to be addressed to the teacher and not to the interpreter, so the interpreter is a neutral party in the classroom who is there to assist in the student's learning.
Use videos and images!
When possible provide images and videos for the students with hearing disabilities. This can help them understand better. Give them strategies when they encounter difficulties by creating captions on the videos and images of what's being said or discussed by the characters or read in the message of the images..
Use simple writing!
When you write materials for hearing impaired students make sure to use short phrases. Avoid difficult vocabulary and stay with simple coordinating conjunctions.
Ask for feedback!
To make sure the students with hearing disabilities understood everything you should ask feedback from them. Do this as often as possible! They can also tell you if they wish for any changes in the class.
Communication is essential! The teacher should repeat the remarks from other people in the room. Also do not hesitate to communicate in writing with the students if that will make the discussion easier.
Interpreting time
Keep in mind that the interpreter will need time to process the information to sign language. Maintain a natural eye contact with the student during that time. Don't go too quickly from one sentence to another. If there is any confusion, take your time to explain everything one more time.
With simple teaching instruction, teachers can make a world of difference for students with hearing disabilities who may be hanging on to their learning one word at a time.
