The Bilingual Bicultural, or BiBi, approach to teaching deaf children aims to facilitate the development of both ASL and English. BiBi works on the belief that ASL is the first language of deaf students, and English is then learned as a second language. ASL is used for instruction in the classroom, creating a consistent language environment for children. Additionally, children are taught about deaf culture and hearing culture, rather than simply identifying themselves as disabled. The benefits of this program are that deaf children are given immediate access to a full visual language, as well as a cultural identity and education in written and spoken English.
BiBi educational programs are still relatively new, so the benefits and potential disadvantages are not yet fully known. BiBi programs have been implemented in many deaf schools across the United States, and have created a greater need for qualified ASL teachers who are also knowledgeable in deaf culture.
Oral communication is a teaching technique that relies solely on speech, eliminating the use of sign language with deaf children. Supporters of this theory believe that teaching deaf children to function in a speech-only classroom will train them to rely on their residual hearing, eventually allowing them to fully assimilate into a hearing world. However, it takes time for deaf children to achieve optimal linguistic levels, and prevents them from instant acquisition of language. As Chu Chaoyu writes in the article "New Teaching Methods for Deaf Children," the oral method risks a child's linguistic, cognitive, social and personal development.
Total Communication, or TC, is an educational theory that incorporates a number of different methods of communication. Children are exposed to sign language, speech, lipreading, pictures, mime, and writing--any form that works. TC is sometimes referred to as "SimCom," or Simultaneous Communication, because it is a combination of methods often used together, such as speaking while signing. The advantage of TC is that a child is given a number of options for communication, and therefore has a way to express himself. The disadvantage is that TC children are often taught a less complex version of spoken English or ASL, meaning that they may not be able to gain the full benefits of either language.