The Learning Environment
The learning environment is the place where learning occurs. There are elements in every learning environment that serve as barriers to learning or facilitate more access to learning for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. For example, a lecture-style class where the teacher does most of the talking throughout the lesson with few or no visual examples can become a barrier to learning, while the use of visual aids to support classroom lessons can enhance student learning. When establishing and assessing the learning environment, educators should ask themselves these questions:
- What modifications or adaptations are needed in my lesson plans in order to maximize learning opportunities for my D/deaf and hard-of-hearing students?
- How can I make my teaching more engaging and more visual?
- What existing knowledge of language do the students already have and how can I scaffold their learning?
For more information on literacy resources and strategies on how to teach English as a second language (ESL) effectively to D/deaf and hard-of-hearing students, click below.
