Creating Transformative Units: Teaching to Foster Self-Determination and Learning

When Charlotte Brochu, Ashley Rasizzi, and Courtney Tanner taught deaf and hard of hearing students in public schools to complete their course assignments at Kent State University, they wanted to incorporate transformative strategies and their state's standards into their instruction. To become transformative teachers, Brochu, Rasizzi, and Tanner needed to incorporate best practices, target their students' academic needs, and foster their students' self-determination (i.e., ability to make their own life choices) within their instructional practice. This article describes how their coursework and practicum helped them do this.