A report on the development of a videotape series on teaching sign language to parents and relatives of deaf children

• Main Author: Abbass, Lily Khattar
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 1985
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/9814/; https://research.library.mun.ca/9814/1/Abbass_LilyKhattar.pdf

The Newfoundland Co-ordinating Council on Deafness is an organization concerned with the welfare of the deaf and with any agency or individual involved with the deaf. A needs assessment revealed that the production of a videotape series to teach sign language would aid the council in better fulfilling their mandate, and would also be beneficial to hearing parents of deaf children and to individuals who might have interactions with deaf individuals. A learner analysis examined the characteristics of the primary and secondary audiences, and a task analysis was devised to identify the necessary tasks which would be incorporated into the instructional package. Behavioral objectives were delineated, and a Likert scale questionnaire was developed to evaluate the actual learning experience. The videotape series and accompanying viewing guide were designed and produced in consultation with various experts. The package was pilot tested in rough form and changes were incorporated into the package. It was then final tested, and the results of the testing indicated that the package was successful in teaching the basics of sign language to both audiences. It was recommended that a Signs of Sound II instructional videotape series be produced as a continuation of the initial series, to deal with more advanced concepts and vocabulary.