Students and Teachers
Techniques That Assist Classroom Learning
Preferential Seating
Sitting close to the teacher or other speakers, in order to optimize listening and visual clues. In a classroom where the speaker moves around the room, the student should be able to relocate as the listening demands dictate. The student and the teacher can negotiate a method so the student can do this with the least disruption possible.
Notetaker
A student who benefits from speech reading cannot attend to a lecture and simultaneously take notes. A notetaker is a person with typical hearing who takes classroom notes for the student; often the notetaker is another classmate with good note-taking skills. Note-taking becomes increasingly important at the middle school level.
Oral Interpreter
A qualified professional who serves as a link between the speaker and the student. The oral interpreter silently mouths the words of the speaker, augmented with natural gestures to support understanding. Usually introduced at the middle school level, oral interpreters are a right for students who request them. However, the lack of trained interpreters limits availability, and the school may need to train someone to provide the service.
Cued Speech Transliterator
A qualified professional who serves as a link between the speaker and the student. The cued speech transliterator silently mouths the words of the speaker, and simultaneously uses hand shapes to cue the child as to what sounds are being spoken. Students have the right to a cued speech transliterator; however, the lack of trained transliterators limits availability. The school may need to train someone to provide the service.
Acoustical Improvements
Most classrooms are noisy environments that create listening difficulties for all students, especially those with hearing loss. Sometimes minor changes or additions to a classroom can reduce ambient noise and improve acoustics. Improvements include:
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Carpeting
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Acoustic ceiling tiles
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Double-paned windows
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Installation of a lower, sound-absorbing, suspended ceiling in older, higher-ceiling classrooms
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Use of thick draperies at windows
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Elimination of background music
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Rubber tips on chair, table and desk legs
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Repair of heating/ventilation-associated noise
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Avoidance of open-plan classrooms
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