WOW, I have had a number of students with learning needs and this help alot...
The one I use most often is using analagies to relate complex topics to students, if one doesn't work I'll try agian. Often the one that works is one that I really had to develop and refine.
Pamela ,
it is a good strategy to try to address as many of the various learning styles as possible & although not all students will be engaged all the time, it still helps many to be as engaged as possible.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I usually work with the student 1:1 to help them understand how the textbook is broken down and how to recognize key points. I encourage them to use the Tabers Dictionary for definitions of terms they do not understand. I also find that I will speak at a slower pace and watch their cues in the classroom. Some of the students have a thick accent and this may sound strange, but I have to turn my head to the wall or window to listen to the student. This helps me to focus on what they are saying. Of course, I let the student know that I am listening when it happens the first time but it is my way of hearing/understanding what he/she is saying.
I have the students tell me how they enjoying learning, and what is difficult for them from their point of view. These students need to learn to be proactive not just in school but throughout life.
I also make sure to allow students additional time for tests, and projects if they request it at the start of the project.
All assignments are spoken, displayed on projector for reading, and viaually appealing, and notes are created for the students so they don't have to listen to the information and take notes at the same time.
If needed, audio support is also provided as well as learning resources scheduled if the student notifies me ahead of time.
I make it clear that their learning need is not an excuse and they need to plan ahead to request resources.
Itry using multiple teaching/learning styles per hour of class to hopefully reach every type of style that a student could need. It does not work all the time as I find some students get bord when their style is not being presented.
While lecturing, as a class we say each medical term out loud. When reviewing the lecture I will stop for a moment and have students read a disease or condition out load to the class. They are instructed to pronounce the term using the break down listed at the side of the page. Each meaning of each part is broken down so it is better understood.
One thing I like to do when im teaching pharmacy math to students. Is to change the math problem around to something the student like. Like baking, shopping etc....
this is a good exercise for students with learning needs because it helps the student understand the content...
For many of my students they are learning multiple "languages" at the same time they are learning career content. We go over in class the medical terminology along with the coding terminology and I explain the concepts in "plain" english and them we discuss the concepts. When students are having a problem I sit down with them and find out where the problem lies, is it with reading or comprehension. My suggestions is to break out a medical dictionary and have the student look up the words that they don't understand and then see if the medical statement makes sense, if not we start at the beginning and so it all over again.
HAVE THEM USE A DICTIONARY FOR DEFINITION OF WORDS AND DEMONSTRATE THE WORDS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
Dr. Felicia,
yes, the peer to peer tutoring/learning is a great way to solidify many of the concepts & to really help those students who are struggling.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I offer to assist struggling students. Sometimes one-on-one and sometimes as groups. I prefer the groups' setting because oftentimes when one or two students grasp the concepts, I ask them to explain to their peers. This strategy always works well with everyone.
Flash cards!
In a nursing program,students learn so much medical terminology that they can easily be overwhelmed.
We found it is not enough to simply review the word, but to get out flash cards and :
Write out the word(put phonetic sound beside it) &
put the definition under it.
Write out a sentence with the word in it.
Draw the word (i.e. with cyanosis a student might draw a picture of a face with blue lips)
ALSO,as an aside,
English is a frustrating language to learn. Why is "see" and "sea" pronounced the same way? At least in French there are some guidelines as to how to pronounce vowels due to use of the markings above the vowel (/ or \)
Tammie,
yes & along with this, discovering what resources & helps are available for you & the student.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think a good strategy for working with students with learning needs is to first determine what type of learning need the student have then find applications that will help the student to better understand whatever subject you are instructing.
Allowing extra time can be helpful. Tutorial sessions may be right after class where students do not feel any pressure to learn might work. Throw it open and ask these students to list ways that will help them learn; and then incorporate it into the learning process.
Dawn,
yes, the more we can address all learning styles, the better off all of our students will be.
Dr. Ryan Meers
It is important (but sometimes difficult) to address a student's preferred learning style, which will ultimately enhance their ability to learn. Every attempt should be made to reasonably accomodate multiple means of learning the same material. (visual, auditory, and tactile)
Some students benefit from using a tape recorder. Oftentimes, peer tutoring is effective.
Students may need to see an example of the expected assignment.
Also, students see the relevance of the topic if you can relate real life experiences or stories.
I give one of my students that has perfect attendance all week the chance to teach the class and review for the quiz. They love feeling important and actually knowibg the material enough to lecture....
