challenges
special needs students need some extra time but are amazing tough students
There is also the additional benefit to all students when you are preparing your class with the learning disabled student in mind: you do a much better job of planning your classes and lessons and really focusing on how can the students best absorb the new material.
Hi Victoria! I too have found that students with special needs not only often serve as an inspiration to other students, but they demonstrate other ways to comprehend and apply concepts, and therefore help other adults with their own learning strategies.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
special needs students have alot to offer to the rest of the class. they are able to offer different views and learning techniques that may help others in the class become successful.
Agree with you and sometimes are more involved and passionate about what they do.
I agree with the fact that individual time with the student is a huge plus. I honestly believe it provides them with support, that sometimes they don't get & then in turn feel isolated. It is always very rewarding for them to be able to demonstrate & share when they are on target, also.
Individual time has been the key to any of my successes here.
I then let students share their challenges/disabilities.
I then have them share their strengths.
We work with our strengths and help each other through the challenges.
I agree, they are tough because they have had to fight to get where they are today. Most of them keep this spirit and willing to fight to get what they need to improve their lives. This includes additional education. I have never taught a course in which I have had a student with a learning disability (other than those still learning English). Those who are learning English as a non-primary language are usually easy to spot in their writings. The lack of pronouns and conjunctions always give them away.
I wholeheartedly agree with one of the responses, those that have difficulties learning are the reason why some teach (definitely the case for me). My background leads me to root for the underdog.
I think that one of the biggest challenges for teaching students with disabilities is getting the student to open up to the instructor - I am always willing to work with the student, but often I don't find out about the issue until the student has tried to do it on their own and are failing.
I believe students with special needs are why passionate teachers teach.
