Oralism primarily involves which method for teaching deaf students?

Oralism is a method of teaching deaf individuals that focuses on the use of spoken language rather than sign language or other forms of communication. The primary technique associated with oralism is speech reading—also known as lip reading—where students learn to comprehend spoken language by interpreting the movements of the lips, facial expressions, and body language of the speaker. This reliance on visual cues to understand spoken communication is a defining characteristic of oralism.

In contrast, other options such as gestural communication and sign language instruction align more closely with approaches that value visual and manual forms of communication, such as total communication or bilingual-bicultural education. Visual aid reliance, while beneficial in many learning environments, does not encapsulate the primary focus of oralism, which is centered on developing spoken language skills. Thus, the correct answer highlights the fundamental aspect of oralism as it applies specifically to the education of deaf students in a way that prioritizes speech above other forms of communication.