What is our Deaf Education Program?
Our Deaf Education Program gives our students, future teachers, a broad background in bilingual-bicultural education, total communication, cued speech and oral philosophies along with speech, language, auditory training, Deaf culture and Malaysian Sign Language. This program includes all of the essential elements of a good education for deaf and hard of hearing children, youth and adults.
What degree options for Deaf Education are available through University Malaya?
The Bachelor of Arts degree provides the students with a liberal arts foundation integrated with courses designed to provide a basic understanding of communication options and educational approaches used to teach deaf and hard of hearing children to gain full access to English & Malay. Education beyond the bachelor's degree is necessary for completion of the academic and credential requirements leading to professional employment. Although the Master of Arts degree is not required for future teachers, it is considered essential for the professional training needed for successful classroom teaching. Nearly all of our students pursue a M.A. degree along with their required teaching credentials for further professional opportunities.
Why is Deaf Education a specialized area of teaching?
Ninety percent of Deaf children are born into hearing families, and most are not diagnosed as deaf until age 2-5 years old. They tend to have little to no language exposure (spoken OR signed) during their first years of life, causing a language development delay. Learning to read and write standard English is often a struggle for deaf students.
Deaf children (especially those with physical and mental disabilities) need direct instruction beginning as early as possible in order to teach them language and literacy skills. Several educational philosophies are currently being used to teach deaf students:- Bilingual-Bicultural:
Malaysian Sign Language is the only language used in the classroom. English and Malay are learn through exposure to printed materials. - Auditory/Oral:
No sign language is used. English and Malay are learned through residual hearing (listening) and speech. - Total Communication:
A variety of sign systems may be used - BKTM, MySL, a combination of signed communication modes, speech and sign language used simultaneously, cued speech, etc. English and Malay are learned through auditory and visual exposure.
