A Strategy Explained

I appreciate the feedback I've received relative to, "but "how" do we teach DEAF students."  I attempt to model several aspects of the in each of our classes.  I'll attempt to be more explicit regarding those practices.  Here are some details regarding the beginning of Tuesday night's class

Activate Background Knowledge

·        Made direct connection between what you had previously learned about Clerc and Thomas Gallaudet. 

Use Visual Prompts, Cues, Supports

• ·        I showed a video with specific pictures

Provide connection between ASL & English – or Focus on the Constructs of the written text & vocabulary

·       Video had sign and caption

·       EVERY lesson MUST BE a LANGUAGE lesson and strengthen students comprehension and use of their receptive skills and expressive skills. 

Model for students what you want them to do

I wanted you to deepen your understanding and ability to identify what people or laws do and the impact of those.  I attempted to model that for you with what Clerc did and his impact.  I then asked you to do that with laws.

Allow for Student Talk (This builds language)

I had you discuss the video of the National Laurent Clerc Center.  -  Deaf students need time to process new information. Partnering them up or breaking into small groups. Give them time to put concepts in their own words. Have them come back together as a whole group and share any what they discussed, questions they have. 

Check for Student Understanding

·       Ask Questions - Throughout this session I asked you questions.

·       Allow students to ask questions (You may need to teach students how to ask questions.  How do we ask questions that are probing or truly thought provoking questions?  How do we get to those questions that make someone answer, “Hmmm…I’ve never thought about that before?”