Melbourne Polytechnic and Vicdeaf were the proud industry partners for an Australian Research Council Research Grant application by Dr Adam Schembri (La Trobe University) and Dr Louisa Willoughby (Monash University).
The research project aims to improve our understanding of how to teach signed languages to adults as second and additional languages. Although there is significant demand for Auslan classes, relatively little is known about the processes involved when hearing adults learn a sign language, or the similarities and differences to second language learning of spoken languages. This project aims to develop and test the efficacy of a range of innovative teaching materials and approaches, as well as create the first standardised Australian Sign Language (Auslan) test for adults. It aims to significantly improve the quality of Auslan teaching at the partner institution and provide a model of best practice internationally.
We are extremely excited to be able to contribute to this ground breaking research.
