To increase your language learning in the classroom, develop the following habits:
1. Build a language community.
Try not to miss classes, especially in the beginning. Her class strives to form a language community: group cohesion influences the richness of language exchange in the classroom. The lack of class makes it difficult to achieve this interactive environment. Maintain a sign environment in the classroom. During class breaks, before class begins, and whenever deaf people are present.
2. Minimize dependence on English while listening or conversing in ASL.
Leave English (and your voice) outside the door. Try not to translate in your head while watching someone sign. At first this will be difficult to do, but as you become more fluent, the temptation should lessen. Don’t worry about taking notes during class. Instead, use class time to immerse yourself in the language by interacting with the teacher and other students using ASL. The DVD and student workbook will help you retain the language introduced in class.
3. Focus on the meaning rather than the individual signs.
When your teacher tells a story, gives directions, or explains a concept, try not to worry about a sign that you missed or don’t know about. Instead, focus on the meaning of what is being said. If a particular sign repeats over and over and you still can’t figure out its meaning, ask the teacher. Try to avoid asking your classmates for an English translation. You would lose the valuable communication experiences necessary to strengthen your comprehension skills.
4. Focus on the signer’s face, not the hands for two very important reasons:
First, there is a lot of grammar in facial expression, so to really know what is being said, you must see both the facial expression and what is signed; second, it is considered rude to look away from the signer’s face while gesturing to him.
5. Show that you understand the signer.
Nod to show that you are following; give him a puzzled look when you’re not. Develop active listening behaviors such as nodding your head, responding with “huh?” “wow” or “really?” Listeners play very active roles in signed conversations. Active listening increases your comprehension skills and optimizes your learning. Get involved as much as possible by adding comments, agreeing or disagreeing, etc. Follow all conversations, whether it’s between teacher and class, teacher and student, or student and student. The more you participate, the more you will retain what you learn.
