The challenge
This 3-year research project was a collaboration between Deakin University researchers and the principal, leaders, and staff of the Aurora School. The project aimed to establish a research culture that supports knowledge building through evidence that leads to practice change relating to play-based pedagogy to improve young deaf and hard of hearing children’s communication and language.
Project overview
This study focussed on supporting teachers and professionals at Aurora School to embed a play-based learning and teaching approach to improve young deaf and hard of hearing children’s communication and language. The project explored the impact of the research design, especially the methodology (Critical Participatory Action Research — CPAR), to both capture change in teachers’ practice and empower teachers to confidently research their own practice, thus creating a self-sustaining model. Changes to practices and child outcomes were captured as indicators of the effectiveness of the CPAR approach.
Outcomes
The Aurora School staff, working in collaboration with the Deakin research team, designed resources to aid the sustainability of the newly established research culture within the school.
The Deakin research team worked with the school leaders and teachers who participated in researching their own practice during the project to support conference presentations at national and international conferences.