Deaf student s in the classroom
For the first time I have a deaf student and interpreter in my class soom. I try to make her feel comfortable and part of the class as much as possible. I look at her just as much as others and not at the interpreter. So far it is all working well. I have learned a lot from this class
I have also had a deaf student in my classroom. I did have several enterpretors in my class as well, so it very interesting to not only myself but the rest of the classroom. The most important thing I think is to make the student feel comfortable, and yes always remember to face the student. It does take some time to get use to, but the student succeeded and that is the ultimate goal.
As a chef in a culinary school I have had a student who was deaf, he performed very well as he cooked and we had no real issues. He was a higher performer than most of the student.He produced food each day that was above the class standard
I also teach in a tech school setting. I have recently had the experience of having a deaf student attend my class. At first it was a little strange but after talking to the student and the interpreters it was really a lot of fun. One thing I did is went home and learned how to sign good morning to my student to show him I really do care about his education. I made sure every day after class and during class when it was possible to make sure he know it was okay to ask for help or state that he didn't understand something. The coolest thing was to aid him in listening to engine noises I was able to teach him with vibrations. It truly is amazing on what someone can do when they set there mind and heart to it.
First time is a charm!
I have had three in my 11 years of teaching, my tips for you are as follows:
-even if you have an interpreter does not mean the hearing impaired student does not let their mind wander (they should be as engaged as others, once they are looking out the window they are no longer listening)
-keep some writing tools handy (I used the note pad on my Iphone for quick notes to share communication)
-be patience whaile they are trying to communicate
-work out some hand symbols for quick communication
-most importantly written language does not alway mean the same in sign language, get in good with the interpreter to double check the meaning of the question/answer.
this can be the greatest experience of your teaching, enjoy!
I teach in an automotive school and have had deaf students in my class. You learn to work with the interpreter to figure out the best way to work with interpreter and the student to get the best results.
Roberta,
Fantastic! I'm sure your attentiveness is much appreciated by your students!
Sarah Smoger
Sandra,
I'm so glad to hear that! It never hurts to check-in with the student and interpreter to see if there is anything that might make the interpreter's job easier. Sometimes the little things, such as your position within the classroom can make all the difference for the student.
Sarah Smoger
I have had deaf students in several baking and pastry classes and I agree that it is very important to keep good eye contact and I also like to present very positive feedback as they learn each new task.
