Language Skills and Learning Preferences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

About the project

  • Project of the Teiresias Centre at Masaryk University supported by a European Union grant
    Programme:
  • Key Action 2: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices / Strategic Partnerships in the field of education, training and youth
  • Project No: 2021-1-CZ01-KA220-HED-000023473
  • Start and end of activities: November 2021, October 2024
  • E-mail address: langskills@teiresias.muni.cz 

Summary

The project aims to improve the foreign language (FL) learning experience for Deaf, deaf, and hard of hearing (DHH) learners. It focuses on learning styles and learning strategies that learners apply or can apply to make the learning process more effective, thereby seeking to promote autonomous approach to learning.

The project’s objectives are 

  • to enhance awareness of DHH learners on the importance of reflecting on their own FL learning preferences and strategies
  • to help learners capitalise on their learning strengths and use effective learning strategies
  • to encourage this way learners’ self-reflection and autonomy

Project results

  • Adapted learning styles and strategies surveys
  • Research into the learning styles and strategies of DHH FL learners 
  • Learning styles  strategies resource pack
  • Best practices resource bank 

Realisation team

Masaryk University (MU)

The Support Centre for Students with Special Needs at Masaryk University is a central university body. Its mission is to guarantee accessibility of all study programmes at Masaryk University. Since its establishment in 2000, Teiresias Centre has been a leading organization in the creation of a universally designed learning environment at the university level in the Czech Republic. The Teiresias Centre offers a wide range of services that are provided to persons with special educational needs themselves (applicants, students, teachers, administrative staff) as well as to teachers, administrative and other persons without disabilities who work with the previously listed service recipients.

The John Paul II Catholic University in Lublin (KUL)

Established in 1918, KUL is the oldest Catholic university in East-Central Europe. It is a well-known academic centre, highly valued in Europe and globally. KUL has extensive experience in research and support practices for students with special educational needs learning foreign languages at all levels of education (primary, secondary and tertiary). KUL has also experience in leading academic research on the methodology of teaching and learning foreign languages by deaf and hard of hearing students, especially in the context of describing and initiating new strategies for learning and teaching. KUL is a leader of the International Research Group on English as a Foreign Language for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Learners (IRG EFL DHH). 

Siena School for Liberal Arts – ISLA srl (ISLA)

The mission of the School for Liberal Arts is to engage students with a wide array of intellectually rich and academically rigorous programmes in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. The Siena School is organized into five academic Tracks: Deaf Studies, Liberal Arts (including Studio Art), Museum Studies, Sustainability, and a new track dedicated to Political Science. Deaf Studies at Siena School for Liberal Arts is committed to running semester and summer study abroad programmes. Since 2005, the Deaf Studies Department has worked with Italian and American Deaf and signing communities to provide exciting and unique opportunities for students and professionals alike. Besides programmes for ASL users, ISLA offers programmes and courses for signers of other languages.

Associated partners

European Union of the Deaf Youth (EUDY)

EUDY is a European non-profit making organisation whose membership comprises national associations of deaf young people in Europe. EUDY endeavours to foster the personal development of young deaf persons with a sign language in Europe and to further mutual understanding to advance and protect the rights of and opportunities for young deaf Europeans. EUDY’s vision is for a Europe where all young deaf people are able to come together and share their experiences across cultures and boundaries, so they can enjoy their rights on an equal basis with others.