Course Topics
- Introduction to Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS) and the world of the deaf community, its culture and history - Grammar and structure of sign languages - Basics: Signs for everyday life in kindergarten and school - Finger alphabet Vocabulary for basic communication such as greetings, colours, personal descriptions, numbers, appearance, body, clothing, shape descriptions.

Teaching format
Lecture, exercises, dialogues, group and partner work, presentation of learning materials, games in ÖGS

Educational objectives
- The course is aimed at students and teachers who want to learn and use Austrian Sign Language at level A1.1 in their school or elementary education practice and who should have the appropriate language skills for this purpose - Learning the ability to express themselves in a visual-gestural language that offers new possibilities of expression compared to spoken language - Encouraging and developing the joy of learning language - Promotion of fine motor skills - Learning different linguistic facets for learning situations through songs - Ability to conduct basic dialogues in Austrian Sign Language - To be able to use and implement ÖGS in educational practice, to learn bilingual-bimodal work with children and young people. The aim is to actively perceive the child with its thoughts and the expression of its feelings and to be able to communicate and relate to it. Communication is the basis for understanding, learning, development and relationships. Language is one of the main forms of communication and the prerequisite for a successful educational path. Austrian Sign Language gives teachers access to non-verbal forms of expression, body language, gestures and facial expressions in order to strengthen the child in the best possible way and accompany them in their development. - Learning ways to promote pupils' German skills by demonstrating bilingual teaching and its advantages - Laying the foundation for learning to read (finger alphabet) - Recognising the differences between sign language grammar and German grammar - Acquiring background knowledge about deaf history and culture Knowledge and understanding Students know the basic structures of sign languages (syntax, classifiers and localisation) and can differentiate between the grammar of the two language systems (German spoken and written language and sign languages). They are familiar with deaf culture and history. Applying knowledge and understanding Students apply their knowledge in free communication and in practical production and perception exercises. They work on their hand form with the help of exercises. Grammar and vocabulary can be consolidated in simple dialogues with conversation partners. The focus is on describing shapes and the appearance of objects and people. Making judgements Students are able to recognise and correct their own mistakes and give constructive feedback to the other person in partner work. Communication Students can apply their knowledge in simple dialogues, introduce themselves and ask others about themselves. Learning strategies A mix of different methods is important for sustainable learning. Practical exercises and games in the group (e.g. memory, silent post and dialogue exercises) contribute significantly to learning success. Various sign language videos also improve language skills.

Assessment
The final examination consists of 3 modules: 1. Recipe: Creation of a drawing based on a video I have made in which I describe a shape and/or appearance in ÖGS 2. Interaction Free communication and interaction is tested in conversation with the lecturer in ÖGS. 3. Production: Production of a max. two-minute video: Person description in ÖGS: name (finger alphabet), age (numbers), what do I look like? (colours and shapes) Homework: The students receive a questionnaire to tick and questions on deaf culture and history, the answers must be written in a short text in German. We co-assess. The basic rules of sign language grammar (sentence structure and facial expressions) and localisation are checked when describing the form. Dialogues are checked for fluency and correct grammar.

Evaluation criteria
Correctness of answers and completeness of completed assignments and homework.