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.