Abstract
Background
• The Hong Kong Sign Language (HKSL) curriculum so far developed and the multimedia resources produced therein by the HKSL course instructors since 2008 have failed to satisfy the ever expanding HKSL programme under the Modern Languages section of the Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages.
• The situation has become quite critical when a new set of expectations have been laid down by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which spells out graded level achievement of sign language proficiency with a redefined set of learning outcomes based on characteristics of the visual modality in communication.
• An eLearning platform to support teaching was designed in 2016 but it needs updating in order to promote effective learning within the general rubrics of CEFR.
• The eLearning platform will be used to develop a set of structured self-learning activities to support informal learning and to reach the expected outcomes as stipulated by CEFR.
Objectives
1) Producing 32 video recordings in HKSL the contents of which include signed conversations, narratives, news announcements, etc. with a diverse range of contents. These materials will be further processed to support the development of sign comprehension skills, which is claimed to be very challenging especially to hearing learners
2) Developing text-based materials or animations to supplement the present video-based materials designed to teach HKSL grammar and Deaf culture
3) Redesigning the interface of the eLearning platform to support students’ self-learning of HKSL
How to achieve the goals
The project team will:
1) Develop the content for 32 new video recordings for HKSL I and II tailored for A1 & A2 levels under the CEFR; and
2) Recruit Deaf HKSL users from the community to take part in the production of the video materials in order to acquaint students with the various signing styles of HKSL users
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 text-based materials or animations to supplement the present video-based materials designed to teach HKSL grammar and Deaf culture
iii) Redesigning the interface of the e-learning platform to support students’ self-learning
Activities, process and outcomes
The project team reviewed the curriculum of HKSL I and II and identified gaps with reference to the Guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for CEFR Level A1 and A2. The project team took the following actions:
i) Design and produce 32 video materials for comprehension skills enhancement to be adopted by HKSL I and II
ii) Prepare 8 text-based materials to supplement the current video materials for teaching Deaf culture and/or HKSL grammar for HKSL I and II
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 I and II
Deliverables and evaluation
The project engaged students as partners in teaching and learning development by inviting students to comment and evaluate the deliverables via a questionnaire and a focus group interview. Students’ learning experiences as reported by themselves were taken into account when the team developed new materials. Results from the questionnaire survey show that agree that learning with the new materials and redesigned eLearning platform become more effective. The students are particularly stratified 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 12 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 the passion to teach HKSL. In May 2022, the project team will present at the 28th Annual Conference of the International Association of Chinese Linguistics (IACL-28) with the presentation title of 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 focus group interviews, students are generally highly satisfied with the instructional materials. A large majority of them responded that the instructional materials help them learn effectively in and out of class to achieve course learning outcomes. Teachers reported that the enhancement to the e-learning platform provides a better user experience so their teaching is smoother when they use materials on the platform in class. They also reported that the learning materials are more self-explanatory so students are more motivated to engage in self-learning after class.
