Providing Support to Students with Learning Disabilities
Before an instructor can help a student with learning disabilities, the student must admit they have learning disabilities. If they do not admit they have disabilities (either because they are embarrassed to do so or they have not been diagnosed) then the instructor needs to do one of two things... either take them aside and inquire about this, or observe them in class during discussions and on exams. When you see they are having difficulty, I find it is best to give them more tme, be patient and most of all, give them encouragemnt.
What are some ways you can learn how to help a student with learning disabilities?
It is important that you make yourself available to all of your students, especially those that have learning disablities. They will need extra support and time to complete their assignments. Also, they may not come right out and tell you that they have a learning disability. You may have to catch it on your own. Look for signs and approach them on your own if you have to.
I think a method to assist student with some sort of learning diabilities is to allow more time for homework and quizzes. Another option could be to have their tests and quizzes read to them this would assure their success in the class.
Help them by taking more time and giving them support
Discuss the disability with the student and ask them if ways they have dealt with it and their learning in the past.
Ask questions, and show interest in how you can help that student move forward in your classroom. You will waste little time by getting knowledge from the individual student regarding what support has helped them in the past.
Ask them what type of support has helped them to be successful in the past, then initiate those supports in the classroom. I also find that the more I work with different types of disabilities the more they teach me how to be a more effective teacher. I recall the first time I taught a student who was deaf and had engaged a signer. Simple techniques such as slowing down my speach, appropriate pauses, giving them the powerpoint presentation ahead of time so they could prepare...all of these helped encourage in class participation. Without these simple steps the student would have been too busy trying to view, write, watch my lips and the interpreter to gain very much new knowledge, much less become an active class participant.
they seem to need less background noise to focus on teh task at hand so I try to put them in a place in the classroom that can help them with that.
Find out what worked for them in the past. Check with your company policies and see what is provided by them to help. Just take a little extra time either before or after class. While in class be very clear and break it down a little bit farther, that will help everyone in class.
I can learn by asking the student, what tools work best for them to be able to retain new information.
Once I see that a student is struggling with a particular concept I will usually make it easy for him or her to move on to something else as I do not want their possible disability to become known amongst their classmates. After class I will offer that student tutoring and perhaps inquire as to which areas of learning they find difficult. From this point I can try to be more effective as an instructor on a one on one and classroom basis regarding that students needs.
Jon Allen
Thanks Joe, This is the kind of information I need. I don't feel very knowledgable on this subject. Very few of my students have had these problems. Of those most seem to have already adapted to their disability. One I have now does not seem to want to discuss her needs. I'm not sure what to do about that except keep offering to help.
Hi Sharon!
As I've said in the past, it would be great if all schools had this type of support. But if they don't, instructors can encourage students to discuss any challenges they may be having and discuss options with other instructors.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
One way to aide a student with learning disabilities is to talk to the student to first find out what the disability is and what method best works for that student to aide in comprehension. Using more visual aides, Giving time to complete notes, reviewing material after a presentation are a few examples that may help.
We have a wonderful program in place at my institution. Instructors meet with students and support staff to discuss needs and expectations prior to class.
Hi Marko!
You are so correct - people are all different for a reason. Wouldn't we be bored if we were all the same?
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Be understanding and realize not all people are on the same playing level. Some students are extremely smart but have some mental blocks in learning.
First ask the student what others may have done in the past, also observe how the student interacts in class discussion.
Greetings Josef!
Sometimes that little extra care we provide to those students who have learning challenges is the spark that ignites the learning fire. Everybody likes to feel successful and have positive self esteem.
I've found that when self esteem grows, students become more willing to demonstrate their skills in the classroom - even those students who are challenged.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
