SIGN PRODUCTION 0871-205

This course is designed for individuals who want to engage in focused practice on accurate production of individual signs covered in introductory level courses. Signs will be practiced in isolation and evaluated in context incorporating features of ASL grammar introduced in the introductory courses. Focus will be on the manual parameters (handshape, movement, palm orientation and location) of ASL signs, with inclusion of the non-manual parameter as appropriate by context. Tasks will include practicing a variety of materials that incorporate basic sign vocabulary. Participants will produce videotapes for feedback (outside of class) on accuracy of sign production.

Prerequisites

SCPI rating of Survival Plus or above, completion of beginning level courses or recommendation of ASL instructor.

CLASSIFIERS 0871-225

Classifiers are specific handshapes used to represent and describe the physical world that combined with location and movement, form a predicate phrase. Classifiers can be divided into categories dependent on linguistic functions. This course will provide an overview of the ASL classifier system and will review and categorize classifiers taught in the beginning level ASL courses. Practice exercises will focus on the use of semantic/pronominal classifiers representing nouns and their movements, and descriptive classifiers to describe nouns. Participants will practice choosing classifiers to convey information appropriately in connected discourse. Students will be responsible for practicing and regular videotaping of themselves in preparation for classroom review/discussion and instructor feedback. Class meets for three hours a week for ten weeks with one to two hours of extended responsibilities per week.

Prerequisites

SCPI rating of Survival Plus or Intermediate, completion of ASL Ic, or recommendation of ASL instructor.

CLASSROOM OBSERVATION FOR IMPROVED COMMUNICATION

0871-500

This is a 10-week course, which involves a sign language instructor attending and observing a class of the faculty member's choice once a week and meeting for discussion/feedback. The observations will focus on areas that the faculty member needs to improve as documented in their

Sign Language Skills Classroom Observation Report (SLSCOR). These areas include expressive skills and classroom communication strategies. Instructor feedback pertains only to specific communication incidences that occur within the related class sessions. This course is not designed to provide an evaluation of the faculty members sign language skills, but to provide follow-up in addressing needs identified on the SLSCOR.

Prerequisites

SCPI rating of Intermediate or above, completion of the Sign Language Skills Classroom Observation Report (SLSCOR).

MENTORED INDEPENDENT STUDY 0871-550

Mentored independent study offers opportunities for faculty and staff to develop sign language skills within a structured framework by utilizing materials in the NTID Self Instruction Lab (SIL) for self-instruction activities. In the initial meeting between the instructor and participant, goals for the quarter are established and SIL materials are identified for initial assignments. In some cases the instructor and faculty/staff member may identify other resources (other than the SIL) for developing specific sign language skills. The instructor and participant meet one hour a week to review progress, discuss feedback and determine further ongoing lab work. The participant spends two additional hours per week on independent work in the SIL to complete assignments. An evaluation is provided during the tenth week with recommendations for further development of sign skills.

Prerequisites

SCPI rating of Survival Plus or above recommendation of ASL instructor.

SPECIAL TUTORING 0871-560

Tutoring will be offered for special needs only. It is intended to provide focused/intense one-on-one practice and review of ASL that is currently taught in the FSSLEP curriculum. It is a remedial activity that prepares students to re-enter the curriculum. Tutoring sessions may occur during one or two consecutive quarters. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis using the attached registration form. Tutoring is two hours a week for ten weeks with one or two hours of extended responsibilities per week.

Prerequisites

A brief description of special needs that requires this learning format along with an SCPI Report of Results Recommendations or teacher recommendations that describe specific skill aspects on which to focus during tutoring sessions.

ASL Lunch: Conversational Practice

(No registration required)

The course meets in The Commons and/or Crossroads during lunch time on specified days. The course is provided for students of American Sign Language to participate using ASL in real conversations on a wide range of topics in a non-threatening situation. Participants give facilitators permission to provide them with immediate feedback on their skills. Strategies for getting attention, turn-taking, question/answer dialogues, descriptions using Classifiers, and story telling are observed and practiced. Faculty and Staff benefit from having organized opportunities in the environment to use ASL in real conversations on a range of topics. Practice with immediate feedback on their skills in a non-threatening situation is very motivating to participants. This course provides the opportunity for additional practice time that can’t always occur during classes. It also provides a wider variety of additional participants to interact with.

Prerequisites

Member of the RIT educational community.