Jay,
To me the greatest challenge is not to have an negative impact on the class in general or the other students. In order to make this happen, it is important to integrate the additional support systems into the class such that it may benefit all students.
I have not experienced a lot of students that have clearly expressed a disability in my 8 years of teaching. However, when I have had such students, I have tried to work with them more one-on-one to offer support in understanding the subject matter. I also sometimes try to allow them more opportunity to physically do something to help them, as well as make more use of the white board and drawings to emphasize key points. John Eliassen
Thanks, Phillip, I think you are right on target with the instructor being a model and a motivator - leading by example - I know that your students must really relate to you and that, having a learning challenge itself, you can give them practical insight.
Jay
ED106 Facilitator
I have A.D.D. and I realize the significance of giving students time and helping them develop ways to remember things.
usually if they follow my instructions they ususally can see for themselves that it will work for them, because it has worked for me.
I also relate that I too have learning difficulties and by doing that it helps take some stress off.
The suggestions made within Module 4 are appropriate for our online learners who are considered "Special Needs" students.
Faculty are required to conduct two (2)Live Chats per unit of study. The chats are recorded and archived. The Chats can be conducted using audio and text or singly audio or singly text.
When there is a Special Needs student in my class, I use audio and text.
A one on one conversation via telephone is warranted. The discussion regarding what has worked in the past is paramount to supporting the student and our University is required to give extra time to the Special Needs students.
Hi Anis! Repetition has been proven to be one of the best reinforcements in teaching, particularly when the student is demonstrating something. Instructors also often use repetition not only to reinforce taught skills, but to add new ones; for example, each time a student repeats a procedure, list of instructions, or application, a new skill might be added to the process, or the repetition might vary a little to incorporate an additional outcome.
Thanks for your comments ans participation!
Jay Hollowell
ED106
I think that the greatest challenge is to teach them new skills relying on memorization.
I would say repetition has been successful with my students
Our Corporate office has an individual that is to be notified when we have a student with a disability. She will advise us on how to accommodate the individual. With one case we have now he is taking 2 classes instead of 3, which gives him more time to study. We also have a tutoring program that he participates in on a daily basis. We also have a student resource group that is available to him 24/7 to help with homework or any other issues he may need to discuss to help him be successful.
I think that the greatest challenge is that you are not properly trained to deal with the student. Sometimes I make sure I review the information with the student to ensure they comprehend the information.
One of the biggest challenges is bringing the student up to speed with the rest of the class. Getting them to talk about what has been successful in the past, and finding new ways to help them learn.
One of the things that I have done in the past, is after demo and lecture. I meet with the student and make sure that everything that was discussed is clear. I have also read test out loud for the student and allowed more time, to ensure they undestand and are confident in the subject matter.
I have students with documented disabilities in my science class for the first time this quarter. I am hoping that tutoring them directly is going to be the best way to get them through my comparatively demanding course. My school has been good enough to open a tutoring center which they will staff with instructors at certain times of the day. I think this is a responsible way to address the needs of those with learning disabilities.
Hi Joseph! Thank you so much for your comments. Very few things can substitute for one-on-one instruction; it looks like you are using different approaches to help challenged students with content and assessment. Bravo! Some instructors have utilized other students as peers to their classmates in assisting with tutoring - we just have to be careful that when students are utilized to help others, protocol is followed and confidentiality respected.
Often I will set aside time for one on one instruction for problem areas of certain students. They feel less threatened and are more encouraged to take their time and figure out the lessons that are being taught. I do oral tests with them and take time to explain each question thoroughly until; I know that they grasp the important points of the test. I get muich more success with these students this way. I t just takles time and patience to succeed.
Hi Brian! Thanks for your comments! As you referenced, we need to keep a balance of time among all students in our classroom as they each have their own abilities, strengths and challenges. One-on-one time outside of class can be a tremendous support to a student with more significant challenges.
Jay Hollowell
ED106
I think the biggest challenge to a student with learning disabilities is trying not to spend the majority of my time with the student during the class session. I need to monitor all the students in my class and I cannot always give more time to one particular student.
One method or strategy that it seems to helped out to reach students with learning disabilities was to offer a demo by visual, written and reading styles. The demo itself took a little bit more time but it was very helpful for all students.I started with the regular demo by showing and explaining the knife cuts. After that, I pause and explain verbally what I just did. Also I provide a copy of the technique in a hard copy. This allows me to reach all students and ensure that they will decide wich system works out the best for them.Rigth after the demo, students start to repeat and replicate the knife cut.
This method works very good in my class.
I often find that I need to spend time after the class tutoring the student. I am committed to helping the student become sucessful.
Knowing your boundaries, I want to reach out and help these students as much as possible. But when to much attention is focused on one or two students other students will probably complain.
I try to eae their mind to know that they are not by themselves. And I say that because I even feel at times that I have somewhat if an IEP, having to read literature two or three times before I understand it sometimes.
Thanks, Steve, for your comments! There are so many suggested methods for working with students with special learning needs, b ut I think you are rioght on target! Sitting down with a student privately, professionally and respectfully to help customize the best learning solution for that student's challenges is really the best method of all.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
I beleve the greatest challenge is to understand just what the student will need to help them learn!sometimes just siting down with the student and talking with them after a leasson will shed some light on what it is that you can do to make it clearer or more understanding to them and that is all that i need to give me direction for future planning of the presentations!
Hi Joseph! Thanks for your comments! Hands-On learning and demonstration tend to be instructional deliveries that tend to universally reach the most student learning styles. You're on target,
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
