Training teachers to improve sign language skills in deaf children
Quasi-Experimental Study: Strategic and Interactive Signing Instruction
This study is testing whether training teachers in a new sign language teaching method can help deaf children improve their signing and writing skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Knoxville, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT06729164 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This quasi-experimental study evaluates the impact of the Signing and Integrated Signing Instruction (SISI) framework on teachers' practices and the sign language development of deaf children. Teachers are divided into an experimental group, which receives SISI training, and a control group that continues with standard teaching methods. The study involves pre- and post-assessments of students' signing and writing skills at the beginning and end of the school year. Approximately 10 teachers in each group will instruct 5 to 7 students, with data collected twice during the academic year.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include deaf children in prekindergarten to 3rd grade and their teachers in deaf education programs.
Not a fit: Non-deaf children and teachers who do not specialize in deaf education will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the sign language skills and overall communication abilities of deaf children.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with similar instructional frameworks, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Deaf children in prekindergarten to 3rd grade classes in deaf education programs * Teachers of the deaf teaching prekindergarten to 3rd grade classes Exclusion Criteria: * Non-deaf children * Non teachers of the deaf
Where this trial is running
Knoxville, Tennessee
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville — Knoxville, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Leala Holcomb, PhD — Center of Deafness
- Study coordinator: Leala Holcomb, PhD
- Email: lholcom5@utk.edu
- Phone: 4153076410
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.