The Presentational Task
This is the last post in the series focusing on the modes of communication and AP themes. We have looked at the Interpretive task and the Interpersonal task. This time around we will be looking at the Presentational task and how we can help our students to improve their expressive skills. Presentational assignments can be fun and, if done correctly, will entertain students. The perks of presentational assignments are they can be done with one student, in partners, or with groups. Therefore there are a lot of options open for you to prepare an inspiring assignment.
The following ideas for the presentational task are from what was discussed in the interpretive task and the interpersonal task.
Preparing for the Presentational Task
In preparing for the presentational task, here are a few steps you might want to consider.
- Ensure students have had exposure to topics or time to research information (interpretive and interpersonal tasks).
- Make sure there is a purpose for the presentation (what will the audience gain from this?).
- Make sure the topic has a real-world connection.
- Allow enough time for planning and organization.
- Give time to practice and prepare (think rough draft mode).
- Provide feedback.
Get teacher and peer feedback forms here.
Music and Art
Remember all the work students did with Beethoven’s nightmare? I am sure students remember it all too and now they can do something really cool with all that vocabulary and knowledge.
Individual – Have students present their ideas of diversity in the mainstream hearing world.
Partner – Students can complete the presentational task by pairing up to create a dialogue about diversity in the music industry.
Group – Have students role play. Place students in groups and have one be the interviewer and the others be a band. Students will brainstorm questions for the “band” focusing on the information provided in the interpretive and interpersonal tasks. The band will answer the questions.
Science and Technology
So often teachers think that this topic is only for upper-level students. However, this is not true. Many lower-level students can show knowledge of technology for Deaf people if expectations of them are tweaked.
Individual – The student can present on this topic: Choose one new or old piece of technology and discuss how it has changed the Deaf community for better or worse.
Partner – Have partners choose a piece of technology and share the pros and cons this device has had on the Deaf community.
Group – Split the class in half and have them debate new technology and why it is or is not a positive change to the Deaf community.
Personal and Public Identities
This theme gives so many options but for now, we will continue to talk about the role of the interpreter.
Individual – Present on good qualities of an interpreter.
Partner – Create a Google Slides presentation and share the Code of Professional Conduct for interpreters and how the tenants connect to the idea of disempowerment.
Group – Create a news segment that educates the public on what is a good interpreter. Include recent stories of “false” interpreting and mockery by mainstream America of good, qualified interpreters. Included in this can be a “how to” use and interact with an interpreter. This is a great infographic assignment.
Contemporary Life
Contemporary Life is another theme that can cover a wide range of topics. There are a lot of presentational activities that can be incorporated into this theme.
Individual – Students share their personal thoughts on what the ILY symbol means to the Deaf community and tell their personal belief.
Partner – Students create a sales pitch to try to sell a product. They should include the benefits and advantages of their product.
Group – Create a product for the Deaf community and make an infomercial.
Beauty and Aesthetics
In this topic, we have been looking at signed performances and the beauty of the language itself in the expressive form. This is a good theme for students to showcase their creativity and understanding of the language.
Individual – Students can create and share a piece of literature like a poem, song, or ABC story.
Partner – Have students explain why some deaf like interpreted music while others do not. Have them state their opinions of this.
Group – Students can choose a music video and analyze the video. Give talking points on what is good, what can be improved, and share ideas on why it is or isn’t compatible with the ideas of the Deaf community. Basically, they become a music critic.
Families and Communities
What we have been focusing on for this theme is an emotional topic for many people. You can tap into that and get some great responses. However, be cautious that you don’t judge or criticize students. Everyone is going to have varying degrees of thoughts on this topic.
Individual – Give them the task of role-playing a parent of a Deaf child. Have them explain how they will teach language to this child. Give different scenarios to each student like you are hearing and have never taken a sign class, you must follow the orders of your doctor, or you have to choose two different options.
Partner – Create a dialogue about how their deaf relative’s family does not know sign language. Explain the struggles with communication in the family and why it is not working for this person. Give ideas and suggestions on how they can persuade the family to learn ASL and improve communication and language.
Group – Give each group an educational strategy for Deaf students and share the pros and cons of each. For example, oralism, ASL, Bi-Bi, etc.
Global Challenges
Natural disaster preparedness has been the topic of this theme. Continue that by allowing students to show you what they have learned.
Individual – Create an emergency preparedness list and share the list in the target language.
Partner – Discuss with each other what is in their home preparedness kit and how they can improve their readiness for a natural disaster.
Group – Create a public service announcement for the American Red Cross on how to be prepared for a natural disaster witht he focus audience beign the Deaf Community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, thematic units and the presentational task can be fun. They can include skits, performances, interviews, and lots of role-playing. Be creative in what you ask students to perform for the presentational task. Remember that all the modes of communication lead into an opportunity for the IPA.
To get the full benefits of this post read about the interpersonal and interpretive tasks. All of the themese work together in this series.
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