i use the shop manuals that are used through the industry they are filled with diagrams and actual picture of the project they are working on
having the student cover up wat is not being read with a piece of paper and using the paper as a guide helps them focus a little imformation at a time.
The buddy system is a great strategy for pairing stronger and weaker language barrier students with. Good thinking.
I will offer them all the resources we have at my school, along with giving them a little extra attention during labs to make sure they are on track.
This is true to my experience. Understanding words/phrases/statements in the English language proved challenging even to those who were born from English speaking family.
In Math, students with reading deficiencies face another challenge in addition to understanding the meaning of the word and its context in a worded number problem. Some words in this context represent number operators that translates to mathematical symbols. Students need support in breaking down the statements in order to understand the connection of the meaning of the words to its meaningful symbol of mathematical operation. Visuals and concrete examples also reinforce the scenario of the worded problem.
When I was a young boy I was an S, L, D, student, it was hard for me to accomplish anything when it came to school work. A lot of my teachers would just push me to the side and let me be. But I had one teacher that spent time with me and would help me to study and would have me read to her. By going over words on a sheet of paper that she would right down for me. I do that with my students. I will write words pertaining to the subject that they are studying and have them learn the word and how to use it properly.
I loaned a GED book to one student. She could barely speak english. Her determination and motivation was the real key to her success. She kept trying and eventually,( after practically copying the entire book ) she passed her exam!
Images that help describe the topic in the lecture are extremely helpful, and having verbal discussions during class. I also find that tutoring helps a great deal, to those that are struggling.
These are fine strategies but how does one integrate them into a course the reading material for which is not amenable to them? I find reading is the greatest deficiency of contemporary students, whether second language or not. A visual and application approach is helpful but for abstract concepts, this can be a rather challenging task.
I am a Reading Specialist; we can read to them; we can give them all kinds of material with text all over it; we can break down projects; we can be thorough in explaining all details
I like to discuss the reading after the reading assignment was given. I like to have them give me a little report or summary to make sure they understood the concept. By doing this it helps reinforce the reading with discussion afterwards. Furthermore, I do like to try to give images with new vocabualry. Lastly I like to explain the root or components of the word. I like to explain that "rectus" means staraight and "femoris" as pertaining to the femur. In this way they can understand that rectus femoris is the straight muscle near the the femur.
I think phonics is the way to go. Breaking up the words into syllables and sounding them out helps these students to read anything. Then concentrate on vocabulary and comprehension.
I find outside articles and content with a high-interest level so that students have additional motivation to read through the challenging material.
Carl
Evaluate whether they have more an encoding or decoding problem and then figure out a way to assist them in learning in a multi-sensory format. Complementing there visual learning with auditory background of the same material is one example.
I teach clothing construction classes and most of the time its sewing instructions that we read. What I do is we go through the reading together and I explain to the them the points they dont understand.
Videos are key, they even help validate the content in your lecture.
Great strategies Shantana!
What types of visuals do you use?
Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I have to agree with some of the posts that visual aids are always helpful. I also use multi-media; like video's to enhance the learning experience. Also providing additional time and patience is a key!
I think it is very difficult because sometimes you don't realize that they are having challenges until they've gotten a few bad grades. I allow students to record my lectures and I use visual aides.
