Brief write-up
Project objectives
i) Producing 32 video recordings with a diverse range of content for learning Hong Kong Sign Language (HKSL)
ii) Developing 16 sets of text-based materials to supplement the present video-based materials designed to teach HKSL grammar and Deaf culture
iii) Redesigning the interface of the eLearning platform to support students’ self-learning
Activities, process and outcomes
The project team reviewed the curriculum of HKSL III and IV and identified gaps with reference to the Guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for CEFR Level B1 and B2. The project team took the following actions:
i) Design and produce 32 video materials for comprehension skills enhancement to be adopted by HKSL III and IV
ii) Prepare 16 sets of text-based materials to supplement the current video materials for teaching Deaf culture and HKSL grammar for HKSL III and IV
iii) Redesign the customized learning platform with all materials (text-based in Chinese & English & video-based materials in HKSL) to support structured self-learning in the form of comprehension activities for HKSL III and IV
Deliverables and evaluation
The project engaged students as partners in teaching and learning development by inviting students to comment and evaluate the deliverables via questionnaire and interview. Students’ learning experiences as reported by themselves were taken into account when the team developed new content for the courses. Results from the questionnaire survey show that a large majority of students agree that learning with the new materials and redesigned eLearning platform become more effective. The students are particularly satisfied with enhancements made to the grammar and deaf culture components of the new curriculum.
Dissemination, diffusion, impact and sharing of good practices
The team recruited 13 deaf signers from the community for video production of HKSL dialogues and monologues. Some of the deaf signers are teachers of community courses organized by NGOs in HK. We foresee that participation in delivering the project products will be an inspiration for the deaf signers who have a passion to teach HKSL. In May 2022, the project team presented at the 28th Annual Conference of the International Association of Chinese Linguistics (IACL-28) with the presentation title “Revamping the Hong Kong Sign Language Curriculum based on the Guidelines of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)”.
Impact on teaching and learning
As reported in the questionnaire and interview, students are generally highly satisfied with the instructional materials. A large majority of them responded that the instructional materials help them learn effectively to achieve course learning outcomes. Teachers reported the new materials developed in the project increased the learning motivation in students.
