Dear Professor Schroeder

Dear Professor Schroeder,

Before the first class of ASL, I had no idea how a teacher could teach us a languae without the use of verbal cues. That proved to be the most valuable tool in the class and the best way to learn sign language. I am amazed how much you have taught me in just five classes. I came to class with very little knowledge of sign language, only a few signs and the alphabet. My confidence in learning ASL has grown because of how class management is spent. Who knew LEGO people would be such a valuable tools in learning another language? And the fact that no one can talk during class time forces us to communicate in sign. I always leave class signing to my friends and family. It's just been the best experience I've had in learning. I would hoped there would be a continuing class after this introduction to ASL so that I can improve sign with others and eventually use the language in the community.

I have been practicing hula for many years and I can see a similarity in each. For example, hula we use the whole body to emphasize particular word, feeling, or place. Signing seems to also take the characteristics of the object and make a movement to distinguish what it is.

I would like to thank you so much for teaching us. Your energy and spirit carries in class and makes it enjoyable to come in and learn, even though it's on a Friday. That pace in class is also great because it keeps everyone on their toes and learning. Again thank you for introducing me into your language and culture of nonverbal communication.

Mahalo nui loa,

Ewa

Dear Professor

Dear Professor Carl,

I am so glad that you came to Maui and decided to teach ASL here at MCC. I learned ASL indirectly and have not had much chance to use it in the past five or so years. I was the technician for the ASL 101 through ASL 202 classes taught by Kapiolani Community College via our interactive television system and had to learn what I could so that the lines of communication between the instructor and teh students would be optimal.

I have learned so much in just the few classes that we have had including the various signs for the WH's and HOW, more vicabulary (much of which I had forgotten), classifiers, and a better way to fingerspell. I also appreciate the fact that you are excited to teach us your language and culture. It is nice that I have a place and people with which to practice ASL.

The only negative aspect in class right now is the fact that some students do not seem to understand that they should not be voicing in class. It is irritating that these students never stop talking during the entire class time. Even when we had to sign our little story to other classmates about LEGO people, a couple of students tried to translate out loud instead of using ASL to ask for a sign again or give some indication f either understanding or not. I have to say that I really appreciate the students that have no experience but are really trying to use ASL and not their voices over those that just say they are confused but do not put in more effort to understand.

I sincerely hope that you continue to teach ASL classes here at MCC because I am looking forward to continuing in any future classes (hopefully they will be out about the same time since I work during the day.

Thank you.

E....

Reaction to LEGO Storytelling

Eve:

Very funny and interesting. Storytellers were very creative. Good way to learn and become comfortable signing. Loved it :)

Erin:

Tonight was a lot of fun.
I liked going and learning stories. I don't think I could have done it myself though.

Eddie:

It was challenging being the storyteller... but fun! Good way to interact in a small group.

Ekolu:

Great practice in storeltelling; but I need to practice my fingerspelling so that I can read them better.

Edith:

Had had fun with myt LEGO people--Jimmbo, Paula and Skeleton. I think everyone liked it even though I had a hard time telling the story without voicing. Too bad Skeleton died :(

Ericka:

I enjoy usin LEGO people! Fun to work with and it helps with visual skills. Class gets easier and easier each day.

Elisa:

It was a great way to learn new words. It was helpful too, because I was able to review. It was fun and enjoyable. Thank you!

Evelina:

I made the homework assignment much harder than it really was.
The LEGO friends story really made me work hard and think hard.

Elizabeth:

It was fun! All the storytellers did good. I don't think I am ready to be the storyteller yet.

Edward:

It was great fun. Panic at first but found many were in the same boat. Really helped to know I could communicate to others and be understood.

Elie:

Made learning fun, but I was having trouble reading themanual signs letters so fast.

Eda:

I understand about the classifiers and what they signify, but I'm not sure where to look for them. I could not find a resource on the web that explained how to frind the various classifiers.
Still loving the visuals with the LEGO people.

E-bill:

Lost for now. Class and lesson fantastic. I did not understand.

Ewa:

This is a great way to learn. Maybe next time ear plugs and a handherchief around the mouth will be good so it forces ALL of us to use sign, instead of rely on mouth mogements and sound.

Easter:

Awesome tonight!! :)! Fun, excited, enjoyed making up and sharing stories.

Class Reaction, October 25, 2006

E...

Class today was good as usual and when we did the who, what, when..., etc. E...'s boyfriend was there to help.

E...

Good! Remember from last class. Lights on!!! Confused with the G R E G changed hand sign.

Eda:

Good to review wh's and HOW. I need to practice my fingerspelling with the "H" cancellation so I can be more fluid.

Eve:

With practice I find it easier to understand and pick up
Still enjoyable
Teaching style great!

Ed:

Review was good. Strcucture helped understanding.

Ewa:

Starting to feel more comfortable in combining sign.

E...:

Fast paced
Over my head for now

E...:

Awesome
Sorry I was late.

Eddie:

Complicated but very interesting.

Erin:

Wow! My head hurts.

Evelina:

Great review and more practice help retention.

Elizabeth:

I'm trying to keep up but it's good.

Elie:

Can be a little overwhelming eih all the information.

Erika:

I think reviewing is good that way we remember the signs better.

Elisa:

Very informative.
Learned a lot.

Eve's Reactions

10/18/2006

Well, I have to say it was quite scary and overwhelming the first evening in class. This is because I thought that I was the only one that had no idea on signing. When I entered the classroom I noticed that several of the students were signing to each other and I instantly felt that I this was going to be over my head. I wondered for a moment if I read the brochure correctly. Then I took my eyes away from the class and noticed you coming towards me signing. I understood what you were communicating to me. There was a peaceful, calm and patient gesture about you that made me feel this is something that I have always wanted to learn and it was going to be alright. I knew that I needed to come out of my shell, stop feeling intimidated and embarrassed and just do it.

I must say however that at the end I felt good about the way the class was taught. You made the information easy to remember by stimulating most of my senses. The hardest thing now that I think about it was not being able to speak in class. This class had a way of reawakening my practically dead brain cells. I need to practice alot to retain what I have learned.

EVE



10/20/2006

Fun class. Using the Lego people was very effective in helping me relate to what was being taught. Information overload. Spelling out the words were hard because I barely know them by heart. The movements of the hands and body reminded me of dancing hula in a way, although, not as graceful. It was fun working in a group and getting to know the other students. Repetition definitely helps. I felt much more comfortable tonight. Time went by quickly. The three learning stages are a very effective way of teaching. Great class.

EVE

Reactions to "Meet LEGO People"

E....:

We will waunder wildly wondering what Wayne will wear. Where is he? :)

Ellie:

Learned a lot of information, quickly and effectively.

E....:

I am confused but I will keep trying.

Ekolu:

Refreshing reminder for describing people.

Easter:

Wow! Still learning the letters though.

Eve:

Love it! Able to visualize the name words--movements like dancing

Eda:

Love the LEGO people. Easy to remember because of the descriptive signs.

Erin:

I like the lil people, know why I didn't throw son's away, will use to practice.
I like this better than expresions. Need to make my new name sign, used to have one byt had long hair then.

Evelina:

I like them--an effective teaching tool--makes these concepts easy to understand.

Ewa:

Got it!!! Now

Edith:

I thought thi (LEGO people) method was really funny. Very cool way to understand what you meant.

Eddie:

LEGOs helped make it clearer to understand.
Learning while having fun is always a plus.

Erika:

Easy to remember. Followed well. Caught on fast. Nice use of LEGOs.

Reactions to the Wh's/How Lesson

Edith:

I caught on to it after a few tried. I got the signing spaces right away before you wrote anything down.

Eddie:

The humor makes learning so much more fun.
It was great to practice with each other in a group (helpful).

Elizabeth:

My reaction is I will need to work on all of this, especially my facial expression. I'm going to practice in the morror. You explained it very well.

Erika:

It was fun! I never really used facial expressions, because I did not know how, but I now I know. I really enjoyed today's lesson.

Edward:

These words always get me messed up. Nice to work with others to help. Nice exercise.

Easter:

Fun, understandable with each reaction.

Eve:

Fun, creative
Uncomfortable moving/ relaxing

E....:

It will definitely tale some practice and getting used to... but it was presented well. But it looks like practice is key.

Evelina:

It was fun. It's interesting to see how many different signs there are for one word. It's a little intimating to try to learn them all together.

Eda:

It's interesting because I didn't know that there are four signs for WHAT and two signs for each of the others.
I like the use of the red and green to represent the facial expressions and body posture associated with the signs.

Eva:

Should have come to class on time so I didn't have to catch up with everyone. Signing takes tons of practice.

Erin:

I liked signing spaces, that helped.
I liked green/red, just need to remember which is which.
Books will be helpful to refer to.
I wish one sign per word.

Ekolu:

Perfect I had forgotten some of the Wh's/How signs.

Reactions to the Class, October 18, 2006

Edith:

I really enjoyed my first ASL class. I was intimidated by all these new things I have to learn. I have a friend who taught me a few things but I'm glad that there is a class now. I'm excited to learn more. P.S. You're a cool teacher.

Eddie:

Loved it!!!
I really enjoyed the information especially the way it was presented.
Loved the comment that the classroom is a safe place.

Elizabeth:

My reaction to this class is I think I will learn a lot. The instructor is great.

Erika:

I thought it was interesting and very helpful. I learned a few new signs today and hopefully plan on learning a lot more. I really enjoy this class. There was plenty of information well done :)

Edward:

Learned some stuff. Got lost once or twice (or more). A whole new image of the teacher. Communication happened. Yea.

Easter:

Thank you!
Very interesting!
I am catching on some.

Eve:

I found this class to be very interesting, informative, dynamic and intimidating at the same time.
I feel like scared that I may not be able to keep up. However, I also know that this is something I need to learn and don't know quite why.

Ewa:

This is my first class in ASL. The repeated movements/signs with spelling helped. Thank you. This class is foing to be fun(ny), heehee!!

Evelina:

It's a little hard to follow what you mean. I am not sure that I understand exactly what you mean, but I think it will come together. I like how animated you are. I am looking forward to the rest of the classes.

Erin:

Well, I feel a litle lost because I am Italian and talk with my hands I got a little from movements. I want to take notes but cannot because I will miss what is being said next. I am sure I will learn a little in this class and am very eager to learn it.

Eda:

I love this class! I know it's only the first one but I only know a little bit of ASL and never had the chance to take a class. I'm very excited to be here and I appreciate your excitement as well. I am looking forward to Friday and beyond.

Elisa:

I thought It's a wonderful session. I am really excited because I was able to understand a lot of what you were saying. I look forward to learning more and thank you so much for the opportunity.

Elie:

I am really excited to be learning ASL, especially because we will be immersed and forced to use it. Because it is interactive by nature, it forces us to pay attention to you and context.

Ekolu:

Excellent. I like how the parts were explained clearly. I learned history about sign language that I didn't know before.

Assignment #1: Signs Have Parts

Read the Introduction in the ASL Handshape Dictionary and discuss "Signs Have Parts" in one short paragraph of approximately 100 words. After writing your discussion, you can sign off with your E-name that I've assigned to you in the class today.

WELCOME!

Aloha and welcome ASL students! In this ASL-Hawaii blogsite you will find links which will be useful to you as you begin your study in the language and culture of the Deaf. The primary purpose of this class is to develop your ability to use ASL. While assignments may take up much of your time, their purpose is to provide you with the substructure of knowledge you will need in order to become an active member of the Deaf community. You are encouraged, from the beginning of your class, to seek information as to what extension of knowledge you need in order to become proficient in ASL. In this blogsite, you will be encouraged to take every opportunity to read and write your comments about what you've learned about ASL in order to hone your own skills and understanding of it. Again, aloha and welcome!