Active Learning Assignments

Active Learning Assignments

Module 3

Overcoming Communication Barriers

In the Classroom

Short Assignment

Use the Spanish–English translation tables to compose a paragraph in Spanish explaining that you will be taking the patient’s blood pressure.

Instructor Demonstration

Have one student pose as a non-English-speaking patient and one as the interpreter. Ask the patient about his or her positive responses on the medical history form and explain alterations in treatment. Maintain eye contact with the patient, pausing for the interpreter to paraphrase your words. The instructor could use dental terminology (another language to some patients), and the interpreter could paraphrase in language all patients understand. Demonstrate that you converse with the patient, not the interpreter.

Role Plays

The Good Mother
The Crooked Teeth
The Well-Read Patient
The Russian Immigrant
The Patient from Yemen
The Migrant Mother
The Writer
The Pet Lover
The All-Natural Patient

Online

Discussion Board Questions

Have you ever had to talk to a person for any reason who did not speak or understand English fluently? What were the language barriers, and did the other person’s culture dictate a different understanding of your words?

If you were living in a foreign country, how would you go about finding a dentist? Would you look for one who spoke English or go to one who was highly recommended by a friend but who couldn’t speak any English? What would be some concessions you would have to make?

Drop Box Assignment

1. In 100 words or less, list the 10 most important words to you on the Spanish–English translation tables and explain why you chose those 10.

2. Comment on the following letter (distribute letter to students on paper or electronically):

Going to the Dentist

April 10, 2006

Dear Meredith,

Boy! I wish you were here with me now as I could have used your interpretive skill this afternoon at the dentist. Going to the dentist can be scary enough to begin with, but going to the dentist in a foreign country where you don’t speak or understand the language makes it even more so. I recognized some of the same equipment, but their process was different than what I am used to in America.

When I moved to Yugoslavia I just assumed I would make all my doctor and dentist appointments during one of my visits home. I guess that was a bad plan as I have only been home twice in five years. So I found myself with pain around some teeth and didn’t think I should wait for my next trip home, which is scheduled in 9 months. Besides, just thinking of going to the dentist on my vacation would kind of spoil the excitement.
I haven’t heard one positive remark about Yugoslav dentists. One friend had a toothache and was seen right away, but the dentist did not give her any Novocain. Somehow she was able to communicate that she was feeling pain, and the dentist eventually got the message and gave her an injection. But then her whole face went numb and it scared her silly. I guess the dentist was concerned too because he called her at home that night to see how she was doing.

So back to my appointment. When I arrived, I was asked to complete a form but it wasn’t in English, so I tried to guess what they were asking. I have picked up some of the words, but not enough to consider myself fluent. And since I understand their language better than I can speak it, I ended up using a lot of sign language to communicate my problem to the dentist, pointing and grimacing. They seemed very sympathetic and gave me a tube of something to use, but I wasn’t able to understand what they wanted me to do with it. The tube is sitting on my bathroom counter and I am hoping an English-speaking friend will visit soon and I can ask about it. I did a lot of guessing about what was being said today. Let me tell you, it is exhausting!

The building that housed the dental office was very old but had beautiful flowers in the window boxes. Inside was just as old, but it seemed quite clean. The assistants were dressed all in white, a practice I haven’t seen in years. They didn’t smile much, were all business, but did take some time to try to find an interpreter, with no luck. The dentist seemed exasperated at times.

They took an x-ray with very antiquated equipment, but the film turned out looking just like those taken in America. I know enough to realize that if I had a cavity, they would have been able to tell from the film. The dentist’s hands were big and rough and he only visually checked my teeth. He didn’t use that pointed explorer they use in America to check for cavities. The water sprayed in my mouth was COLD, which assaulted my sensitivity even more. I guess that’s when he knew my problem was something other than a cavity.

So I guess you can tell that I really miss you and envy your ability to speak two languages fluently. If nothing else, this experience has motivated me to buckle down and learn the language here. After all, I am stuck here for another 2 years.

Your friend,

Grace

Web Visits and Activities

Visit the web pages at

http://www.iihani.com/ (English-speaking dentist in Tokyo)

http://www.deltamass.com/members/faqs.asp#j (Delta Dental Insurance Co. Q & A)

Patient Assessment Tutorials: A Step-by-Step Guide for the Dental Hygienist

Second Edition

Jill S. Nield-Gehrig