Strengthening Feedback Skills in NZSL Teaching

On Sunday 13 September 2026, Merge NZ delivered a successful workshop at the Auckland Deaf Society clubrooms titled “How to Give Feedback in NZSL Teaching.”

Facilitated by Sara Pivac Alexander, the workshop provided practical guidance on how constructive, targeted feedback can support learners’ development and strengthen their New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) skills.

Seven enthusiastic participants took part in a range of collaborative activities. One

highlight involved working together at the whiteboard to identify common NZSL errors across different proficiency levels. Participants enjoyed the challenge of recalling and correctly naming different NZSL features.

The workshop was part of a collaborative professional development weekend organised by Merge NZ and the Northern NZSL Tutors Branch. Two separate one-day workshops gave NZSL tutors and teachers valuable opportunities to develop their mentoring skills and explore effective approaches to providing feedback.

As we mark International Week of the Deaf (21-27 September 2026), this workshop is a reminder of the importance of supporting Deaf tutors as leaders in NZSL education. Giving tutors practical tools to strengthen their teaching helps them share their knowledge and support the next generation of NZSL learners.

During the feedback workshop, participants explored three main approaches to delivering effective feedback and reviewed common errors made by NZSL learners. These activities helped participants strengthen their ability to provide feedback that is constructive, specific and relevant to each learner’s needs.

Effective feedback plays an important role in helping students understand their progress, recognise areas for improvement and continue developing their NZSL skills with confidence.

Following interest from tutors and teachers who were unable to attend the in-person workshop, Merge NZ has organised three online professional development sessions in October and November. These sessions will make this important training more accessible to NZSL tutors and teachers throughout New Zealand.

Merge NZ gratefully acknowledges Adult and Community Education (ACE) funding for supporting this valuable professional development opportunity.

Lynette Pivac

Professional Development Lead

Merge NZ