 Students at Brainerd High School are learning American Sign Language through a different teaching approach. For this week's Golden Apple, our Sarah Winkleman takes us into the classroom to see the students in action. The American Sign Language class at Brainerd High School is full of students who have a different reason for taking the elective. We have friends who are deaf and I knew them my entire life but I never knew how to talk to them so I decided to join this class so I could talk to them. But no matter the reason, all the students are taking on the challenge of learning a new language. I like this class and it's a good environment. But here in Miss Converse class at Brainerd High School, they are learning sign differently. My classroom approach to teaching is a little bit different as we have a flipped classroom. What that is, is it means that students usually take the video, the lecture video, watch that at home on their own time, then they come into class and do the work and discussion if they have any questions, we can help them through that. As opposed to the more traditional learning environment of lecture during class and then working on the materials at home. I think it helps you learn better just because you can re-listen everything and re-watch the signs that she does. The flipped classroom has not only received positive feedback from students, but it's also showing up in their grades. This year I've had the highest grade levels that I've had in the past six years so I'm really seeing a positive take on that in my classroom. To help in learning a skill that can be applied outside of the classroom. A lot of my students learn what they take out into the community and we have a wonderful supportive deaf community here in Brainerd that kind of take in my sign babies and work with them. No matter what their future goals are. I would like to be a special needs teacher. So they use sign in those classes and so I'd like to do that. But until then the students will keep on signing. For this week's Golden Apple in Brainerd Sarah Winkleman, Lakeland News. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.