National language teaching standards strongly recommend that the World Language classroom stays in the target language 90 – 100% of the time. Many teachers don’t follow this rule for numerous reasons. Mostly it is because they don’t know how. They think students won’t learn. Or they just don’t agree with the philosophy. Whatever the reason for not using American Sign Language, we need to consider how we expect students to learn the language. As language teachers, we only get students for a short period of time. Some teachers only see students every other day and some only once a week. We can’t afford to give students anything less than full immersion.
Recently, I have read many posts and had countless conversations with teachers who are feeling frustrated because students aren’t using the target language in the classroom. Keeping students in the 90% target language goal can be a daunting task for educators. Some students crave the full language immersion, while others are just trying to skim by in order to fulfill their language requirement for college entrance. So what are some strategies teachers can use to motivate students to get involved in communication without a daily dose of coaxing?
Comprehensibility
Teaching vocabulary and new words are one thing. But knowing if students understand it is another story. How do you know if they get it? Frequent, mini check-ins will help a teacher know if the students are understanding the information. Use images, videos, and body language to convey new terms and use them in context to ensure students understand what the word means. Incorporate questions that require students to answer. Or use technology, like “Kahoot”, to keep your finger on the pulse of what is happening during the class period.
Persuade
As teachers, we are often more reactive than proactive when we teach. We continue to teach how we always have, without changing to meet student needs. Have we ever asked why our students aren’t using ASL in the classroom? Often, students deviate from the target language because they don’t understand what is happening. They revert to their native language and we end up frustrated. I love this blog post that talks about how one teacher sets standards for staying in the target language and offers positive rewards for students participating in the language. If we set the precedent of ONLY using the language from day one, students are more than likely to follow this rule. However, trying to change this rule mid-year might be difficult.
English
Like any good rule, there is always wiggle room for modifications. Sometimes teaching in the target language just doesn’t work. We need to revert to English to explain the vocabulary. In the lower-level languages, it is almost impossible to teach culture without using English unless you expect them to read an article and understand the material (not a good plan). Some concepts need English. Just remember to use English sparingly and appropriately when other options are exhausted. When giving rules, expectations, and learning goals, it is OK to employ English.
The Takeaway
Stay in ASL as much as possible to expose students to the language frequently, making the most of the limited time you have with them. Start the “No English” rule from day one. Implement a positive reward system like the one mentioned in the blog post above. Avoid English unless all other options are exhausted and students are not understanding.
I hope this helps you with your ASL classes. Keeping your students signing and avoiding English will become easier. Try to amp up your vocabulary practice to make sure students feel confident using ASL in the classroom every day.
***Pro tip. I like to use tap lights and sign to let students know when English can be used inthe classroom.
