Blog Post 10

Essentially, Deaf and Hard of Hearing students need to have the ability to comprehend English in order for them to be able to use it to succeed in mathematics. Particularly, they need to be able to understand English syntax and word order. Math questions are difficult to begin with. It is more difficult when students cannot understand the math question and what the question is ultimately asking. As a teacher, we have the ability to simplify the problem, but what happens when the student doesn't understand what we are saying? There is only so much we can help the students, unless we simplify the problem by eliminating words like "if" and "then."

The same methods that are used to teach general education students can be used to teach DHH students. A great way to do this is to have the students relate their everyday activities to what they're doing in the classroom. They can use things they've experienced, like shopping with their parents, or going to the bank, etc. and tie that in to things they do in the classroom. As far as word problems, which most students struggle with, the 10-step word problem procedure is a great one to follow. It's helpful for future educators, like myself, and also beneficial to students.