ASL is designed to be an innovative course which develops basic communicative proficiency in visual conceptualizing, hand and body movements, and storytelling.
Students will actively sign and watch others sign. Students will understand ASL glossing and how it differs from the English language. The most important goal for this level will be actively participating, both in and out of the classroom. This objective directly aligns with the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning.
Signing will be the used majority of the time in the classroom, as exposure to the language paired with an intense effort to understand what is being communicated is the most powerful tool for language acquisition. A non-verbal atmosphere may cause some initial stress or anxiety. Overcoming this anxiety, feel free to make mistakes and learn from them and supporting those around you to do the same is another goal I have for students in my class. If these goals can be accomplished students will have the ability to use what they learned at different local hangout of deaf people.