Sign Language Teacher Training Course

What is the course about?

The Sign Language Teacher Training Course (STTC) is for Deaf people who are already fluent in Sign Language themselves. It is designed to introduce the concepts of teaching Sign Language and to impart basic teaching skills.
We are offering a specialist BSL teacher training course leading to a national teaching qualification and including knowledge of BSL and the Deaf Community.

This is in line with the Signature recommendation that BSL Teachers teaching BSL Level 1 – 3 must have appropriate qualifications and experience.

What will we cover?

The course will include:
• Principles and approaches for teaching British Sign Language
• Planning courses and lessons
• Learning theories
• Using different teaching methods
• Develop teaching materials
• Assessing and evaluating learning
• How to use Class Management
• An insight into the lives, language and culture of Deaf people
• Understand Basic Linguistic Knowledge of BSL Practice
• Microteaching at the end of the course
• Observe classes
• Teaching practice.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Recognise your roles and responsibilities and boundaries as a teacher, and establish ground rules with learners
• Plan a session for adults, and a short course
• Choose appropriate teaching/training methods and strategies for teaching BSL
• Select and use equipment and resources for teaching
• Use an inclusive approach in your teaching

To achieve the award you will need to:
• Attend 100% of the course
• Complete a successful microteaching session
• Produce an electronic portfolio of assignments.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

In order to get the most from this course you should be able to:
• Express yourself clearly, fluently and accurately in BSL
• Sign concisely, using different styles, format and structure for different purposes, applying accuracy in grammar, punctuation and fingerspelling

You will need basic computer skills and be able to use technology for teaching and learning, e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Internet, Email, Google Classroom.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

We use lectures, distance learning, demonstrations, group work, pair work, individual work, handouts, tests, teaching practice, tutorial, written assignments, visits and observation.

You will write assignments in your own time and compile an electronic coursework portfolio containing assignments, session plans, teaching material, tutor assessments and self-evaluations.

The course uses Google Classroom, a Virtual Learning Environment. Resources, discussion and news forums will all be available on this site. Your assignments will be submitted and feedback will be given via Google Classroom.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

We recommended you purchase both of these books:

• Gravells A., (2014) The Award in Education and Training (Further Education and Skills) London Sage Publications (approx £15.00 from www.amazon.co.uk)

• The Linguistics of British Sign Language: An Introduction
(www.amazon.co.uk/Linguistics-British-Sign-Language-Introduction)

• Paper and pens for notes if you need it.
You need to access your own device – laptop for google classroom and writing your assignments and powerpoints. Memory stick for PowerPoints to teach in the class.
• Cost of staying in London during lecture blocks (to be arranged by student)
• Free September to April Membership of the Association of British Sign Language Teachers & Assessors (which costs £30) ABSLTA. Website:www.abslta.org.uk.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

This course is the minimum qualification you need in order to start teaching adults.
Your course tutor can signpost you to further courses and appropriate advice.
As an ABSLTA member, you could attend ABSLTA national and regional training days.