ERIC Number: EJ999269
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-May
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0039-3746
EISSN: N/A
Signs of Resistance: Peer Learning of Sign Languages within "Oral" Schools for the Deaf
Anglin-Jaffe, Hannah
Studies in Philosophy and Education, v32 n3 p261-271 May 2013
This article explores the role of the Deaf child as peer educator. In schools where sign languages were banned, Deaf children became the educators of their Deaf peers in a number of contexts worldwide. This paper analyses how this peer education of sign language worked in context by drawing on two examples from boarding schools for the deaf in Nicaragua and Thailand. The argument is advanced that these practices constituted a child-led oppositional pedagogy. A connection is drawn to Freire's (1972) theory of critical pedagogy. Deaf children's actions as peer educators are framed as an act of resistance towards the oppression of their language and culture. A contrast is drawn between oralist pedagogy that is historically associated with punitive practices and didactic methods and the experiential and dialogic interaction that characterised peer learning of sign languages. The argument is made that the peer teaching and learning processes enabled the self-actualisation of the Deaf children whereas the oralist methods were based on a deficit model that focused on modifying deaf children according to the norms of hearing society. The implications of this for current policy and practice are inferred to be about access to sign languages and the importance of Deaf communities in deaf children's education. The argument is made that space needs to be created for deaf children to engage in peer learning.
Descriptors: Sign Language, Learning Processes, Foreign Countries, Boarding Schools, Peer Teaching, Critical Theory, Deafness, Accessibility (for Disabled), Educational Policy, Policy Analysis, Comparative Analysis, Comparative Education, Educational Practices, Social Justice, Access to Education
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Nicaragua; Thailand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A