Just to add my thoughts to this discussion: A 'reader' in exams cannot enter
into a discussion with the student about the meaning of text in the paper.
It sounds odd to me that a reader should even be requested to be present for
a deaf student in an exam, so who knows what the exam board would make of
it.
It sounds like the assessor meant to say a CSW should be present, i.e.
someone who is professionally trained to translate language used in exams
for students who have problems accessing written English due to the effects
of prelingual deafness/longterm BSL use/etc. A qualified trained CSW will
understand how important it is to translate without influencing the student.
Remember the student will also need extra time in the exam if they're having
to work with a CSW- between 25%-50% is common.
It'll help the student if you can provide access to a (DSA funded)
specialist language support tutor, who has experience of working with deaf
students in higher education, on a regular basis throughout the course. The
student can work with the support tutor on improving ability to interpret
language used in exam papers e.g. by going over past papers. This might
improve confidence and reduce the perceived need to rely on help from a CSW
in exam sessions.
Ian Francis
----- Original Message -----
From: "Samantha King" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 2:24 PM
Subject: Reader for exams
In answer to Claire's question, the idea is that the student will be able
to ask the reader questions to help with clarification, e.g. when the exam
question is embedded in the text. I hasten to add that this idea was
suggested by the student's DSA assessor and discussed with a Teacher of the
Deaf.
Thanks in anticipation of some helpful replies!
Sam King
University of Birmingham
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