Pragmatic/Conversational Instruction
Last Updated: 8/23/04 3:24 PM
When working on pragmatics an effective instructional strategy is to videotape a face-to-face conversation. Students can participate in various interactions, with different foci and intentions and with different partners, including hearing partners who do not sign. Using two cameras, a splitscreen videotape can be produced for subsequent viewing and evaluation with the student. The split-screen videotape allows analysis of the behavior of both participants. The videotaping can be done at an angle that facilitates speechreading for subsequent review and analysis. As a professional development activity, colleagues may view the tapes together and share observations and insights. SL 1 Ex 1.mov (KD29.MOV)
For a context, view the conversational model discussed
is assessment section.
Ex 3A - KD33.mov
Students can learn different phrases they can use in order to employ turn-taking
and involve their partner in the conversation. It is beneficial when students
can experience creating a balance between the speaker and listener roles.
Ex 4b - embedded KD34.mov
Students learn about the importance of contingent responses and then can
attempt to use that type of response during their videotaped interaction
Ex 5 CD embedded KD37.mov
Articulation errors that emerge in the context of a videotaped conversation
can
be easily captured and highlighted and then practiced during subsequent
classes.
Ex 6 EFG - KD38_42.mov
Semantic and syntactic errors are easily captured in a videotaped interaction.
The student and the instructor can then analyze and discuss the intent
and the language used.
Students are taught about the importance of using comments to expand a
topic
in a conversation. Ex 7 G23 - KD38_42.mov
Ex 8 HI - KD41.mov
Utilizing effective clarification strategies can help in meeting the conversational
partner’s informational needs. The use of such strategies can be
easily highlighted when reviewing the videotaped conversation.
Ex 9 KI KD43_45.mov
Asking appropriate questions requires analysis of different factors including
who is your conversational partner. The context of the conversation and
cultural factors should also be considered. These concepts can be discussed
with the student when the tape is reviewed.
Ex 10 KD46.mov
The closing of a conversation is the final part of the conversation and
may need
to be reviewed with the student.
(Link to the article, Gustafson, Dobkowski, “Improving Your Conversations,”
A Course for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Young Adults, The Volta Review,
Volume 97, 53-67, Winter 1995)
