Improving ASL Skills: A Journey Through Interactive Learning
School
Clemson University**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
AL 3500
Subject
Linguistics
Date
Dec 10, 2024
Pages
1
Uploaded by ChiefNeutron680
This ASL class has significantly improved both my signing skills and my expressive skills.At thestart of the course I did not remember some of the stuff that I previously learnt , along with understanding fluent signers and would at times miss important details or not understand what is being signed. However as the semester progressed I got better at identifying different signs in various contexts. The videos that we watch in class and the overview of the modules written in EnglishI helps me to properly understand what the module will be about. I also found repetition and class activity used in class very beneficial for solidifying vocabulary and sign comprehension. I've gained confidence in my ability to sign sentences and communicate fluently and effectively. While my expressive skills felt a bit hesitant, class activity helped me practice real time conversation ,which had allowed me to become more confident in using ASL. One areathat I think needs improvement is the amount of time I spend practicing ASL outside of class. Spending more time would be beneficial to have more opportunities for real-world practice with native ASL users outside the classroom. Perhaps organizing groups or activities like virtualmeetups with Deaf individuals would provide valuable hands-on experience and boost my confidence. I think that interactive learning methods were effective in helping me retain ASL. The class activities and peer conversations gave me the chance to apply what I learned in real-life situations. These hands-on activities helped reinforce vocabulary and sentence structures, allowing me to practice the language in a more natural and fluid way.If I had the chance to share something about ASL with my classmates and friends, I would emphasize how ASL is more thanjust a language it is a cultural bridge that connects the Deaf community with the hearing world. Learning ASL opens up the opportunity to engage with Deaf individuals and understand their unique experiences, perspectives, and cultural values. I would also highlight the fact that ASL is not just about memorizing signs but about understanding the grammar and structure of the language, which is quite different from English. The more people learn ASL, the more inclusive and accessible society becomes for the Deaf community, and that’s something everyone should care about. Overall, the curriculum materials were quite helpful. These resources gave me a sense of how ASL is used naturally in conversation, which I found very beneficial. However, I think the textbook could have been more interactive. It often felt like it focused more on vocabulary without much context for its usage.
