Challenge

A smooth delivery of ideas in a class of course facilitates a better understanding on the part of all students. If students seem to have difficulty following your lectures, consider the possibility of a problem in the flow of material.

Keep in mind that interpreters if present sign what you say, and captionists if present type what you say. In this regard deaf and hard-of-hearing students receive the same flow of material that hearing students do. If you lack a smooth flow in your presentation style and if you have weak or missing transitions from idea to idea, deaf and hard-of hearing students will be as confused as their hearing peers.

Strategies

Consider tape/video recording one of your classes; then listen/watch critically to your presentation. Do you flow through individual concepts, and move smoothly from one idea to another building on previous concepts?

If you’re not satisfied with what you hear or see, work towards a solution that works best for you. One simple strategy is to create an outline as you prepare for class. Then to ensure you follow the outline, use it directly in class in an overhead (or web) format and distribute copies to all students and support personnel.