Conversational British Sign Language

Entry Requirements

This course is for you if you have attended Introduction to British Sign Language or similar or have a basic command of British Sign Language and want to re-activate and build upon your comprehension and expression.

Overview

This module will allow learners to develop their understanding of British Sign Language further and become more proficient in holding conversations. The module will allow students to demonstrate that they can successfully follow simple exchanges. This module will enhance the skills needed to hold a basic conversation through the use of British Sign Language (BSL) in order to communicate with the deaf population. This module allows the learner to show and develop both productive and receptive skills and understand a range of topics. It allows the learner to demonstrate that they can use a limited range of signs and handle simple exchanges.

During this module, students will be able to learn how to hold a conversation of a basic standard through the use of BSL. Students will also be able to communicate a variety of topics through BSL.  

Sessions will be based on: 

• Food & Drink
• Numbers
• Animals, people and objects
• Activities and hobbies.

Teaching and Learning 

You will be working in groups or pairs with the emphasis of the course being on participation and practice. Our aim is to develop student skills using communicative language and you will be encouraged to actively participate in class through various friendly activities designed to stimulate communication.

We recommend that you spend time between the lessons, revising and practising what has been done in class. 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to: 

1. Understand and use a range of simple words and sentences in BSL
2. Use BSL to communicate a variety of topics.
3. Maintain a basic conversation through BSL only.
4. Gain an awareness of BSL and the people who use BSL
5. Give and follow simple familiar statements or descriptions in BSL.
6. Reflect on bibliography (Research), communication strategies, personal progression, and attitudes. 

Assessments

Recorded Assignment: (70%) (BSL)

• Student will interact with the teacher for 5 minutes.
• This assignment must include all aspects of the syllabus for this module.
• This assignment will be recorded on video.

 Learning Portfolio: this would include: (30%):

• Transcription exercise from written to BSL or BSL to written. 20%
• Basic conversation / presentation (No BSL) as a result of the learning during the course. This will be recorded on video. 30%
• Reflection: 50%
• Reflection on Research documentation on BSL and hearing impairments
• Reflection on personal progression during the course
• Reflection on interaction strategies on BSL

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved. Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects. 

Reading Suggestions

A full reading list can be found via the link below:

Conversational British Sign Language

Route progression 

Students who successfully complete the module should feel that they have a good introductory command of British Sign Language and should be able to proceed to Communicate in British Sign Language about everyday life. 

What Do I Need? 

This course can be delivered as an online scheduled session course or as a face-to-face course.

If you are enrolling on the online scheduled session course, you would need the following: 

• Internet access. 
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also benefit. 
• Use of the Chrome web browser where possible. 

If you are enrolling on the face-to-face course, you will need the following:

• Pen and paper/notebook or access to digital equipment to take notes.