Deaf President Now!

Summary

Students will be divided into groups and each group will research and present a topic in ASL related to Deaf culture. Instead of using overheads, the students will learn how (if they don't already know how) to use PowerPoint and present their information in a PowerPoint presentation. This will allow for more variety of resources and information that can be shared. Students can include video clips, pictures, websites, and other things that aren't practical without technology.

Materials

• Classroom computer with LCD screen and projector • Signing naturally Level one student workbook • internet access • Microsoft PowerPoint

Student Prior Knowledge

The students should have the basic vocabulary to present their entire presentation in ASL. They shouldn't necessarily be familiar with their topic, as unfamiliarity will force them to do more research and get more out of this assignment. Specific vocabulary questions can be asked and the teacher will help them when necessary. Also a quick overview of how to create a PowerPoint presentation will be covered in a previous class period.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should in effect become "experts" on their topic. After all of the presentations are finished, the students will have increased their knowledge and awareness of Deaf culture and other related topics. When asked basic, reasonable questions about the topics that were covered, the students will be able to respond with the correct information or know where they can go to find it.

Instructional Procedures

The teacher will teach the students (if they don't already know) how to create a basic PowerPoint presentation. The students will proceed to separate into small groups and decide on a topic. They will research the topic and prepare a short presentation (~10 minutes)to share with the class. Two class periods will be set aside to allow them to work in their groups. The students will present the information using ASL. This will help them to improve their expressive skills. Students will be graded on presentation and clarity. It isn't necessary to be professional or perfect but they must put in sufficient effort. Students will take notes on each others presentations and a quiz will be given at the end of the presentations.

Strategies for Diverse Learners

The needs of student's with special needs will be assessed on an individual basis. If the students need special assistance from adaptive technologies, hopefully the ball will already be rolling and this will not be a new problem. Pairing up students that might need a little bit of extra help with someone who is doing well is also a good way to help out with learning differences.

Extensions

Assessment Plan

Students will be graded on the completeness and accuracy of the information presented. The students will take notes in their notebooks and a short quiz will be given. The information will also be included on the test.

Bibliography

http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/DPN/picFrameset.htm. Smith, Cheri, Ella Mae Lentz, and Ken Mikos, "Signing Naturally: Student Workbook Level 1." San Diego, California: DawnSignPress, 1988.