Independent Study Plan: Fingerspelling
Developed by: Jenna Cassell, Sign Enhancers, Inc.
NOTE: An official blank form can be obtained online from RID (RID.org) or from your RID sponsor. The answers below are appropriate for taking the 9A/9B Fingerspelling: Comprehension as published by Sign Enhancers as an Independent Study. You are welcome to modify your answers to be most appropriate for how YOU would like to approach this Independent Study.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: This Independent Study Activity Plan must be approved by an RID Approved Sponsor PRIOR to beginning the course.
CMP Participant Name: __________________________ RID Member #: ____________ Participant’s Address: _____________________________________________________ City: ________________________ State: ________________ Zip: _________________ Email: ___________________________________ Phone #: _______________________ 1. What do I want to do? When given a signed language sample including fingerspelling, I want to enhance my ability to create and produce an equivalent message using the target language, spoken English. The large content area I will focus upon is: Message equivalency with an emphasis on comprehending information provided with fingerspelling (words and numbers). I will use the two-‐programs entitled, Fingerspelling: Comprehension in Context (Order Numbers 9A: Adults and 9B: Children) with demonstrations of the linguistic stimuli for me to practice. 2. What are my specific goals? After completing this course, I will be able to: 1. Identify and apply specific Fingerspelling Comprehension skills including: a. Applying Pace-‐Assisted TechnologyTM presented within these programs b. Apply eye gaze to the signer’s face, rather than hands c. Apply contextual cues from the sample to assist in comprehension d. Use the first, middle and last letters of each fingerspelled word to assist in comprehension e. Apply predicting skills f. Identify individual characteristics of sign parameters to adjust for comprehension g. Apply pausing, pitch, pacing and volume to vocally match the signer’s intent and content. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ©2016 Sign Enhancers, Inc. All rights reserved.
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2. Identify and apply skills in producing an equivalent message in the target language when fingerspelling is included in the source language; a. Correct spoken English grammatical constructs b. Demonstrate vocal intonation matching affect of source language c. Interpretation to accurately match source language message d. Affect match e. Meaning match f. Use of appropriate actions if missed the fingerspelled lexicon. The instructional strategies I will employ to accomplish the above include: 1. PRE-‐TEST: I will turn the volume OFF before viewing any of the video samples. I will video-‐record my interpretation of the sample the first time I see it (cold interpretation). This will establish a baseline of my entry-‐level skills.
Note: To record yourself, aim the video at the signer on the screen. Be sure the audio is recording. Video record the signer while recording your voice as you interpret.
2. PACE-‐ASSISTED TECHNOLOGYTM: I will utilize the option for pace-‐assisted technologyTM as presented in the video. This allows me to see the signing at a normal pace, but the fingerspelling is slowed down. This will enable me to practice comprehension of fingerspelling with less pressure so I can apply the following skills: a. Eye gaze to the facial cues, rather than the hand b. Using contextual cues c. Using prediction skills d. Gain confidence with reading fingerspelling without the time pressure, but within a naturally occurring signed sample. NOTE: It is recommended you record your work and review the video. 3. REPEAT STEP 1: After practicing with Pace-‐Assisted TechnologyTM, I will again interpret the sample presented at a natural pace. 4. REMEDIATION: If the samples are too challenging for me, I will go through each sample again and make a written list of each of the fingerspelled words I understand. I will utilize the Pace-‐AssistedTM version to help me learn the process of using context and prediction skills with less pressure. 5. INTERPRETING DEMONSTRATION: I will turn the volume on and listen to the interpreting demonstration of the sample. I’ll notice the message equivalency modeled by the interpreter. I’ll compare and contrast the work of the interpreter with that I had done. I will view this multiple times; making notes and shadowing the specific skills to better incorporate these skills. 6. POST-‐TEST: I will video record my final interpretation of each sample to determine how much I have grown in the area of fingerspelling comprehension.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ©2016 Sign Enhancers, Inc. All rights reserved.
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This will determine my improvement and create new goals for future enhancements. Note: I will repeat these six steps for each sample in both the Fingerspelling: Adults (9A) and Fingerspelling: Children (9B) video programs.
3. How will I show my sponsor what I learned? Describe evaluation process. I will use the video recorded pre-‐test and post-‐test to demonstrate what I have learned and how my skills have improved. The video performance tests will demonstrate how I was able to apply what I learned to improve my skills. I will submit copies of the videos of my before and after performance test as well as any notes or written work I have done. 4. How many CEUs am I proposing and why? I am proposing to receive 2.0 CEUs, as the duration of work required to complete this course is a minimum of 20 hours. I will keep a running log of all hours worked. 5. When will this proposed project start and end? Note: Project must be completed within twelve months of submitting Plan. ________________________________________ 6. To which CMP content area does this independent study apply? Professional Studies
I agree to implement the Independent Study Activity as outlined in this plan and to submit all the necessary documentation of successful completion to my Sponsor. I certify that this activity for CEU credit toward the RID CMP requirements represents a valid and verifiable Continuing Education Experience that exceeds routine employment responsibilities.
________________________________________ Participant’s Signature ________________________________________ Participant’s Name (print)
______________________ Date
I will insure that this Independent Study Activity will be overseen and evaluated by individual(s) with the relevant expertise. I, or my designee, have discussed the Independent Study Activity outlined in this plan with the participant and agree that it represents a valid and verifiable Continuing Education Experience. Further, I, or my designee, agree to assess the documentation submitted to me by the participant upon completion of the Independent Study Activity and award __2 _ CEUs if completion is satisfactory.
________________________________________ Sponsor’s Administrator Signature ________________________________________ Sponsor’s Administrator Name (print)
______________________ Date
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ©2016 Sign Enhancers, Inc. All rights reserved.
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