ASL Makes Group Time More Efficient

American Sign Language (ASL) allows students to identify what they are about to share with the class. Instead of simply raising their hands, students hold up an ASL letter to let me know what they want to say: 

The letter "A" represents "answer"

The letter "I" represents "I have a question"

The letter "C" represents "comment" 

Answer

I have a question 

Comment

There are two benefits to ASL signals. If I just asked a question, I am easily able to call on someone with an answer instead of a comment. The other advantage is that it causes students determine what they want to say. This system encourages students to be more aware of their thinking. It cuts down on commentary and distractions that can lead us off-task. Less students will be stuck saying "Umm, I forgot."