AUSLAN

AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language)
AUSLAN is the sign language used in Australia. This is used, among other things, to communicate with those unable to hear normal speech, this may mean they are completely deaf, or have other hearing impairments that don't allow them to fully understand spoken language. AUSLAN is useful in the classroom, not only with students who can't hear spoken language, but also for younger students and students from non-English speaking backgrounds. The simple hand movements require less strategic learning than the complexity of the English language as a whole and it can be used effectively across languages.

Co-Operative Teaching and AUSLAN–
Co- Teaching can be used in many ways, one way that it can be used in conjunction with AUSLAN, is to have a translator, who signs what the initial teacher it saying. Whilst it would be more effective to have the main teacher sign their lesson as they present it, sometimes this is an unfeasible option. In this situation it could be beneficial to allow the co-op teacher to teach the whole class simple signs each day, so that the rest of the class is not only learning a second language, but are more likely to understand and be able to communicate with the student with the additional needs.

Using AUSLAN with ESL students–
AUSLAN presents an attractive way to teach students for whom english is not their first language, how to say and sign words that they may not be able to spell or write. Most words in AUSLAN are one sign, where as to write them down you would be required to learn the letters, the sounds and then what it means. Whilst AUSLAN can not take the place of traditional reading and writing skills, it is an easy way to fast track communication in the class room.

Using AUSLAN with ESL students can be as easy as simple flash cards that present their original language, the sign and a picture of what the word is. This can be enhanced by also having the English word on the flash card so the student can recognize the word when it is seen in a different context, which can later help in the learning of reading and writing.

AUSLAN as a visual teaching method–
Whilst AUSLAN is an effective way of translating speech into a visual learning experience, it is often the case where deaf students learn more visually as a whole. Studies show that by incorporating more visual teaching methods in your class room, it can help a student with difficulties hearing. By using AUSLAN and utilizing other easily found resources, it’s easy to make a nonrestrictive environment for any student in your classroom who may be deaf or has difficulty hearing. For more information on AUSLAN visit: [|www.auslan.org.au]

Trevor Johnston (2009). //AUSLAN//. Retrieved July 27th from [|www.auslan.org.au] Deaf Australia (2011). //Deaf Australia – AUSLAN//. Retrieved July 27th from http://www.deafau.org.au/