Presenting in Auslan

Year Level

Year 7 (Ages approx. 12-13)

Duration

70 minutes

Class Size

25 students

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Unit Context

Unit Title: Deaf Gain in Auslan Culture
Lesson Number: 9 of 20
Lesson Title: Presenting in Auslan
Lesson Description:
Learn techniques for presenting in Auslan, emphasising body language, eye contact, and clarity in signing.

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Australian Curriculum Links

Content Descriptions (Auslan - Years 7 & 8)

• AC9L1AU8C05: Create and present signed, visual and multimodal, informative and imaginative texts, manipulating language to suit context, purpose and audience.
• AC9L2AU8EC03: Locate and process information and ideas in familiar signed, visual and multimodal texts, responding in ways appropriate to cultural context, purpose and audience.
• AC9L2AU8U03: Reflect on similarities and differences between Auslan and English language structures and features, using metalanguage.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate effective presentation techniques in Auslan including clear signing, use of space, and appropriate body language.
2. Apply eye contact and facial expressions (NMFs) to enhance clarity and meaning in Auslan presentations.
3. Use signing pace and pauses strategically to engage the audience.
4. Create and deliver a short informative Auslan presentation using correct linguistic features suitable for an audience of peers.
5. Reflect on personal presentation skills and identify areas for improvement using Auslan metalanguage.

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Resources Required

• Video examples of Auslan presentations (including examples with varied body language, eye contact and signing styles)
• Mirrors or webcam devices for self-observation
• Auslan dictionaries or online sign resources
• Whiteboard or screen for instructions
• Worksheet templates for planning presentations
• Peer feedback forms
• Visual timer or clock
• Space for students to perform presentations

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Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description	Curriculum Links
0-10 min	Introduction and Warm-up	- Discuss importance of presentation skills in Auslan; emphasise body language, eye contact, clarity. - Show brief video clips demonstrating effective vs ineffective Auslan presentations. - Group discussion on what makes presentations effective. - Recap key vocabulary and metalanguage terms: NMF (non-manual features), signing space, pace.	AC9L1AU8C05, AC9L2AU8EC03
10-25 min	Guided Practice: Analysing Presentation Techniques	- In pairs, students watch a short Auslan presentation video. - Identify and note examples of body language, eye contact, signing clarity. - Discuss findings with class. - Teacher models correct and engaging use of signing space and NMFs.	AC9L2AU8EC03, AC9L2AU8U03
25-35 min	Skill Development: Practice with Body Language and Eye Contact	- Students practise signing a simple prepared sentence or short introduction piece to a partner. - Focus on maintaining eye contact, using facial expressions and clear signing. - Use mirrors or webcams for self-assessment. - Peer feedback is given using provided forms.	AC9L1AU8C05_E6 (using pace and body language for engagement)
35-50 min	Preparation for Presentation	- Students plan a short informative Auslan presentation (about a Deaf cultural topic or personal interests related to the unit theme). - Use worksheets to structure their presentation focusing on clarity, use of space, and expressive body language. - Teacher circulates to support and provide feedback.	AC9L1AU8C05_E3, AC9L1AU8C05_E5
50-65 min	Presentations	- Students deliver 1-2 minute presentations to small groups or the class. - Encourage use of learnt techniques: eye contact, appropriate pace, facial expressions. - Other students use peer feedback forms to comment positively and suggest improvements. - Teacher provides constructive oral feedback.	AC9L1AU8C05, AC9L2AU8EC03
65-70 min	Reflection and Wrap-up	- Group reflection discussion in Auslan (or bilingual Auslan-English). - Students identify one strength and one area to improve in their presenting skills. - Teacher summarises key points for next lesson, linking to next steps in the unit.	AC9L2AU8U03

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Assessment

Formative assessment during lesson through:

• Observation of student engagement and application of body language and eye contact skills.
• Peer and teacher feedback on clarity, use of signing space, and expressive features.
• Review of presentation planning worksheets.
• Student self-reflection on presentation skills using Auslan metalanguage.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide sentence frames and signed vocabulary support for students requiring more scaffolding.
• Offer extension tasks: students may prepare a more complex informative presentation or incorporate constructed actions (CAs) and role shifts.
• Use visual aids and peer modelling for additional language input.

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Teacher Notes

• Encourage students to be expressive without over-exaggerating, so signing remains natural and engaging.
• Remind students that eye contact in Auslan includes shifting gaze to the audience rather than just looking at hands.
• Use culturally relevant and respectful Deaf Gain examples.
• This lesson builds on earlier units focusing on Auslan comprehension and builds toward more complex expressive skills.

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This lesson plan carefully aligns with the Australian Curriculum (v9) for Languages (Auslan) by emphasising creating and presenting signed texts with appropriate communicative techniques, reflecting cultural understanding and linguistic accuracy for Year 7 learners.