An Accessible Masterpiece

Abstract

Reviews the book, How Deaf Children Learn: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know by M. Marschark and P. C. Hauser (see record [rid]2011-25233-000[/rid]). This is a book whose time had come. As researchers, the authors had published a book on cognitive research in the field of deafness. The publisher requested they consider writing another book based on the research that would be accessible to hearing parents of deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Marschark and Hauser described it as a difficult task, citing individual differences among deaf and hard-of-hearing children as well as the need for more practice-based research as some of the reasons for the complexity of the task. Regardless of the difficulty, their diligent careful work resulted in this extremely accessible and informative book. I highly recommend this book. It would be helpful for any newcomer to deaf education. The authors carefully explain the different issues, philosophies, and historical eras of the field. This book would also be helpful for doctors who often form the front line of interaction for parents who suspect their child may be deaf. Perhaps, pediatric audiologists would also benefit as the authors extend the implications of assistive devices as well as modalities of language. Several threads wind throughout the book creating a well-connected discussion in all 12 chapters. The authors also highlight future research needs based on the gaps they encountered in what is known. This book makes the implications of research accessible to those people who live in the everyday reality of deafness and development. Parents, professionals, and students would benefit from Marschark and Hauser's ability to make the link from research findings to practical implications in learning. The field as a whole also gains from such a comprehensive discussion linking research and practical implications as well as highlighting what areas need further research. This book is an accessible masterpiece that will prove invaluable to all in the field of deafness and learning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)