Research
Research updates
One of the guiding principles of the consortium is to keep ourselves informed of the latest research projects in deaf education and sign bilingualism, in order to continually improve our teaching practices and pedagogy.
We achieve this by requesting an annual update from universities leading research projects in our field. These updates are compiled annually in June each year and shared with our members at the Annual General Meeting.
They are also circulated more broadly to BATOD and HOSS members. Information on how to participate in the research projects are included in the research updates as well as direct links to the projects and project leaders.
As a consortium we are all keen to support deaf education research initiatives and to collaborate with researchers where appropriate. We are often involved in research projects as practitioner stakeholders, advisors and to support research impact.
SBC research update
Action research
Some of the consortium schools have an annual cycle of action research whereby teachers engage in class-based action research projects throughout the school year. These projects aim to explore how we can improve learning opportunities and outcomes for deaf pupils. The consortium seeks to develop and maintain such research practice, which directly impacts on deaf children’s learning and benefits the educational community as a whole.
Research Journals
Deafness and Educational International
This is a peer-reviewed journal published quarterly, in alliance with the British Association of Teachers of the Deaf (BATOD) and the National Australian Association of Teachers of the Deaf (NAATD). The journal provides a forum for teachers and other professionals involved with the education and development of deaf infants, children and young people, and readily welcome relevant contributions from this area of expertise.
The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education (JDSDE)
This is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal and has four issues a year. The aims and scope of the journal are to integrate and coordinate basic and applied research relating to deaf individuals, including cultural, growth and developmental, linguistic, and educational topics.
Research Networks
The Deaf Academy
This research network of teachers, researchers and British Sign Language interpreters seeks to understand why deaf pupils are more likely to underperform at school compared to their hearing counterparts. Educators and academics aim for their collaboration to support new teaching approaches, as well as boost deaf children’s wellbeing and language development. The partnership, between the University of Exeter, the Deaf Academy in Exmouth in Devon and the University of Central Lancashire, will encourage those involved to share theory and practice.