I find that Math is the most changelling disability for my classes. Students are not interested in Math class because they may have not had to perform in high school and do not feel the need or want to do so.
Most of my students come into the classroom with self-inflicted issues. Dyslexia is only prevelant after testing so I just plan to use varying levels of teaching style to incorporate those who may or may not be diagnosed. I hear a lot of complaints about comprehension and writing skills. For many the disability is a matter of application rather than debilitation.
dyslexia, skipping questions without realizing it. Poor learning/study style.
Fear.....fear is the most common form of learning disability...fear of failure, fear of embarrasement..and fear of changing their lives to a future that is unknown
You are right about juggling teaching while also trying to be aware of students who potentially might have learning disabilities. This is where, if available, relying on experts in this area can be of great benefit.
Ryan
I have many English a a second language students and my experience has been that they meet the challange head on. They ask more question in class and study more than other students. They often do better on exams than other students too.
As for true learning disablities I have alot of students tell ne they are ADHD (with a Red Bull in they're hand!!!) and tell me they can't stay in one place for too long, like during lectures. I find it funny that you load yourself with caffine and tell me you can't stay in one place during lecture.
Any way, I do feel sometimes that the demands of teaching English and trying to find out the real disabilities is a challange all while trying to teach.
PS I was a documented dyslexic and i totally understand those run on sentences. My bigger challenge was math.
Walter,
It seems you have a good handle on students with disabilities. I think these students are fortunate to have an instructor like you who does understand & wants to help them.
Ryan
What is the most common form of learning disability that you encounter in your classes? What are the characteristics?
Dyslexia; is the most common disability I have encountered within the class room. These students often struggle to listen to every spoken word. They usually find ways not to read aloud in the classroom. If a hard copy assignment is turned in, that student usually places it on the bottom of the pile. Young student with learning disabilities are usually disruptive, i.e. class clown. These are coping method to elude detection. Adults usually pretend they do not understand so the instructor could repeat the message, for the student to mentally encode each word for memory recall; this is a method gathering information, because reading is difficult.
Great point Arturo! All tests should be approved by the Plain English Society before they are put in front of students!
The hardest part for me is dealing with students who learn english as a second language. It is difficult to teach them medical terminology when they have a difficult time with their english.
Because I focus on math in my classes, I encounter dyscalculia the most often. Some of the characteristics are the inability to memorize or learn basic math facts such as the multiplcation tables or even basic addition or subtraction. Because math often builds upon these most basic skills, this can be destructive to the student's confidence and make inhibit further learning.
Earle, communication skills do seem to be very high on the list of learning disabilities.
Good job!
Jane Davis
Ed 106 Facilitator
Yes, I agree that a learning challenge will eventually manifest itself.
What do you mean by a "red chair"?
Keep up the good workd!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Most have reading comprehension issues that either require more time on exams or and exam reader.
Exactly. Online classes never reveal learning disabilities unless a student applys for an exemption, thus a red chair is put by their name. After a few assignments, it is evident that some students have reading difficulties and writing problems.
Dyslexia is the most common reading disability. However by the time someone is a college student he/she has overcome it as a disability. Learning in English is not a disability, but a handicap that the instructor cannot do anything about.
I have a learning disability that floored me when I was evaluated. I t is in reading comprehension. I am an avid reader and di well in psychology classes as well as terminolgy and all the regular gen. ed. clsses but I struggled with math and was found to have the comprehension problem. With tutoring and more time on tests I suceeded. But I feel many students don't have to opprotunity to be tested to find out and t hey give up due to the problem.
In my class the most common form of learning disability is not comming to class or leaving earily when the students are required to do self reading or watch a video or power point. Some of the students think that it is time to take a break during video on power point presentations.
I believe reading comprehension is most prevalent. I surveying students, many acknowledge that they do not spend must time reading their texts due to boredom and lack of understanding the material. Poor writing and spelling is also common.
Yes, Alan, I have to agree. Somewhere the education system has failed the student AND the student has failed themselves not demanding more.
Once a student gets to higher learning, instructors should not have to "dumb down" a class. But my question is - under the circumstance, how do we ensure we are preparing students for the workforce?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
