for new BSL tutors
1. Know your subject
We cannot all know everything there is to know about BSL. However, we can make sure we have a good understanding in the basic areas.
2. Ask if you don’t know
We need to be aware of what we don’t know so that we can find out the answer.
Tip : always look up information and remember to tell the class the following week.
3. Should we have opinions?
This is always a tricky one because yes, all of us have opinions – some of them quite forceful – on issues concerning hearing dogs, cochlear implants, education. You name it, somebody will have an opinion on it.
4. So what should I do with my Level 3 students?
If they ask, ‘Well, what do you think?’ you can give your own view but balance it by saying, ‘However, my friend thinks that…’.(and say the opposite). That way you are giving them an opportunity to make up their own minds. If you can do that you know you are on the way to becoming a successful BSL tutor.
5. How technical should I get?
BSL, as we all know, has deep and complex linguistic structures. BSL teaching, however, is not about teaching linguistics. There are some excellent courses on BSL Linguistics so do your homework and then the more you know about how BSL works, the better a tutor you will be.
6. How many people should I accept on my course?
A good workshop has between ten and fifteen people. Any more than that and you may find course participants growing impatient for your attention.
7. But the college forces me to take 20 students.
If you are asked to teach 20 people, then vary your activities accordingly. If you have been on a teaching course, you will have already have learnt about this. The secret of a good class, regardless of the numbers, is that you vary your activities throughout the session.
8. Should we say “BSL” or “British Sign Language”?
In all advertising material and leaflets, we should use the full term “British Sign Language”. Once people understand the term, we can then move on to “BSL”. And remember to reinforce this by using the term “BSL Users” whenever possible.
9. What organisations can I join?
Why not join ABSLTA, the BSL tutors group? Log on to www.abslta.org.uk and you will find lots of helpful information, activities, suggestions and contacts. “This website aims to offer advice & support on issues relating to teaching & assessing of British Sign Language”.
10. Anything else I should do?
If you are new, try and find a very experienced BSL tutor who is happy to share their knowledge with you. This will be so valuable and you will see different ways of teaching and learning.
This article first appeared in the ASSLIA journal.
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