MathTutor

I'm a math tutor currently working with a deaf adult who doesn't sign. I know a little bit of ASL (a very little bit) and would be happy to learn more if it would help him. I don't know why he doesn't sign. Can anyone offer some advice on learning strategies that might be helpful in our situation? Most of the research I have done seems to focus on signing. Should I suggest that we both study up on math signs?

Deafness

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Daredevel7

You didn't mention what IS his method of communication? Speaking, writing? Why not use his method of communicating?

jillio

Use manipulatives.

Lighthouse77

White board (or whatever the name of the electronic board) but use the ones that let you draw or write as you teach while still be able to face the student. I never learned to sign either nor understood the teacher. They always gave out step by step examples with some notes. I understood it, I had to figure it out at first though. Whatever you do, start out with the simple problems before teaching the harder one.

Math was one of the subjects I could do.

when I was in school, most of my math teachers used a projector.

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loml

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S.O.B.

A writing pad or scratch paper would be obvious here. When I needed to communicate with someone ASAP, I taught them finger spelling - they will catch on pretty quickly. Sure it's time consuming, though better than not having a communication method at all.

Bottesini

That is for an adult. Aren't manipulatives only like abacus, and shapes?

That would be low level math wouldn't it?

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Babyblue

Awesome thought!! Since if the person does not know ASL. or if both does not know ASL. Manipulative teaching is the basic ground of teaching.

It does not always mean a person is in a low level, or one is teaching it as such. Just mean they are learning at a basic understanding of how they can learn. By saying that...Teach them the easiest way they can learn.

Babyblue

If you are speaking of preschoolers. Yeah..

Manipulative are taught at several different levels..

Problem solving and algebra and etc... all have manipulative teaching.

Bottesini

But can you use it for anything above the basics?

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Bottesini

Ignore my post above this as I missed this answer.

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jillio

It can even be used for calculus.

Bottesini

You can probably tell math is not my strong point. Since my main teacher was my father and he was very focused on English, it is pretty much all I know.

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jillio

Its not my strong point, either. I just know about manipulatives from providing accommodations and talking to the professors in the math dept.

Daredevel7

Math IS my strong point, and I didn't even know..... (unless I suck even at my strong point, which is kind of depressing! )

jillio

No, just means that haven't needed alternative teaching methods.

Daredevel7

Whew.....

jillio

loml

Interesting! Would someone describe the lesson and the type/use of manipulatives for something like this:

-7X = Y = 20

-14x- 2y = 20

OR THIS


y = 3sinx - 4cosx

Thanks.

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Jiro

MathTutor - just curious... what level of math are you tutoring him?

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jillio

It would require too much space to do a math manipulatives 101 lecture.

MathTutor

Thanks for the advice. His primary method of communication has been writing, but the more time I spend working with him the better I get at understanding his speech, which has helped a lot. The math level is calculus. He understands the math, the issue is that he doesn't always understand the questions. I've been researching visual organizers and I think flow chats and step-by-step diagrams will help a lot.

Does anyone know of a good free whiteboard application?

Buffalo

Macromedia - Developer Center : Creating a Whiteboard Application with Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX
Free Online Whiteboard Application
This one use Wii remote and infrared light pens to create low cost interactive whiteboard. Not closed-caption so I am not sure if I can create this stuff.

I don't know how to create whiteboard so I can't really help you there. I googled and found those links. Good luck in creating a whiteboard. I like the one with Wii remote.

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jillio

Not off hand, but I will check with my math tutors for one.

Jiro

ah.... that is quite challenging to tutor calculus with limited mode of communication. I was the math tutor for community college for about a year.

and yes flowchart and step-by-step diagrams will help a great deal. the more examples, the better he will understand. it is quite a work on your part but i applaud your diligence to teach him with patience.
1. Since his primary communication is writing, you might want to sit next to computer/laptop so that both of you can communicate faster than writing.
2. Print out a paper of all the common mathematical words that you will use it repeatedly. Just simply point to that word on the paper. For ie - "derivative, integral, etc...."
3. it would help to learn a few basic sign languages together such as "no, yes, i don't know, i forgot, show me, solve it"

I've used GE's Imagination Cubed to tutor my friends on math via online. It's a free online whiteboard.

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AlleyCat

I've never used/heard of manipulatives. What is it? Hand gestures, or using objects or ?

jillio

Basically, using techniques that are designed to address visual and kinesthic processing. Some people just process information more easily using these senses.

For instance, a child just learning addition, because of their developmental stage, learns the concept behind addition much better using manipulative because their brain has not matured to the degree that allows them to grasp the concept abstractly. If we give them an opportunity to see why 1+1=2 viusally, and let them experience it by touching and arranging objects, they grasp the basic idea of addition, and can then apply the concept to any other addition problem.

I actually learned about the technique as a way to address specific math LD's, but have since discovered that it works really well with any person who has a strength in visual and kinesthetic processing.

deafbajagal

Visual aids - get a portable dry erase marker and go through the steps. Use any pictures you can and any concrete manipulatives if possible. If his written language skills are good, then use a word processor to type what you would say to a hearing person - explain the process of the steps, etc.

FYI - there are many deaf adults who do not sign.