It is important for an instructor to build trust with all students but especially those with learning disabilities. I find that college and career students right out of high school are very sensitive and may be very shy about disclosing information. I assure everyone that anything will always be in confidence and if they prefer discussing it away from class time I make that time available. They often do very well on tests and projects if given extra time and have that trust from the beginning.
You can learn how to help a student with disability by communicating with them and understanding their problems. Asking them what helps them learn information is very helpful also.
I have provided printed copies of my lectures and worked one-on-one before or after class time to help ensure student success.
I toatlly agree with you.But sometimes the labeling and frustration comes from the other students in the class. I teach a class where the students are all age groups, from all walks of life and some are returning to school after 25 years and after losing their jobs.In my initial class I have everyone pick a learning buddy whether they need it or not to help each other.I stress that everyone has a different learning style and that we as medical professionals are required in our professions to be patient with everyone and to help those who need help. I tell them that that can ask for additional time for testing --bring a tape recorder --stand in the back of the room as long as they do not disrupt the class --whatever it takes to understand the material .It seems to work.
I agree that no one should be told that they are not college material. Each student has the right to give college a try. With learning disabilities, if modifications are made, these students may be some of the brightest students. All they need is a chance to succeed.
Once the student admits they have a learning disability and wants help, talk with the student to understand what the challenge is and what methods will be helpful for that student so that they will succeed.
Science has made great strides in understanding the inner workings of the brain, and one important discovery that brings new hope for learning disabilities and disorders is called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s natural, lifelong ability to change¾to form new connections and generate new brain cells in response to experience and learning. This knowledge has led to groundbreaking new treatments for learning disabilities that harness the power of neuroplasticity to retrain the brain.
Allow the students with learning disabilities the use of computers and spell checking programs on field notes and reports.
-Consider alternate activities/exercises that can be utilized with less difficulty for the student, but has the same or similar learning objectives.I think the following steps will help:
- Always ask questions in a clarifying manner, then have the students with learning disabilities describe his or her understanding of the questions.
-Assist the student, if necessary, in borrowing classmates discussion notes.
-Encourage questions during or after class to ensure that materials are understood by students with learning disabilities.
-Give individual conferences to guide students with learning disabilities to monitor progress and understanding of the assignment and of the course content.
-Give plenty of reinforcement when it is evident that the student with a learning disability is trying things that are made difficult by the disability.
-Have frequent question-and-answer sessions for students with learning disabilities.
I ENCOURAGE THE STUDENT AND TRY TO LET HIM HE IS NOT LESS THAN ANY OTHER STUDENTS SO TO MAKE IT SHORT I WOULD TRY SPYCOLOGICAL MRTHOD AND THEN PRACTICAL.
Excellent! I believe that your heart is showing. Sigh... That's what teaching is all about.
The best way that I've found to assist a student with a learning disability, is by pulling them to the side, and learning what their disability is, and how to best accomodate them. Most of those that I have had to date, have been those with an attention deficit disorder combined with hyperactivity. Fortunately, I have friends with similar disorders, and they have been a valuable resource to me. One such student always sat in the back of the room, and would engage in horse play inspired by others. After pulling them to the side, they explained that moving them to the front of the class usually helped them. I moved them to the front of the classroom, and things did indeed improve. This gives credence to the notion that he was an intelligent person, albeit he would not be the one to take the necessary action to improve his situation.
I believe that listening to their specific needs is key. Self-esteem is a big factor a lot of students with a learning disability don't have any and other have been so label that they truly believe that they will never be able succeed and will take anything, because that all they know.
So trying to encourage them every time they show improvement. Perhaps giving them more one on one until they can see a difference, and stop being afraid to fail. Asking a little more each time, so they can get better and they can look for ways to help themselves.
There are many different ways to provide students with support for their learning disabilities, but most importantly, I believe that communication is the first key. Following communication, I believe should be the building of that student's self esteem and confidence. Everything else shall follow. Often these students have a low self-esteem and low confidence level. It has been obvious to me in my classes when a student has a learning disability since more than likely, their self-esteem is very low.
I agree. I let the students know that I am available to discuss any issues with them as long as they initiate the conversation. If I do see a student struggling, I will obviously take the first step, but I try to allow them to self-advocate any problems. I want them to learn to use their past supports as an advancement tool, not a crutch.
Being patient, encouraging them, celebrating their successes with them, providing them more time, communicating with them to ensure they have the support they need.
If a student informs me, I will allow my lecture to be recorded or I will give them a copy of the presentation that has areas of importance high-lighted
Hi Warren!
Reaching out to our students helps to assure their success. It makes them feel like they are important to the process and outcomes of both individual and total class success.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Pay attention to how they respond to questions and don't ever call these students out in front of others. Make sure to build their confidence and offer extra support or tutoring if needed.
At the beginning of every class I ask if anybody needs any special attention. I let them know they don't have to tell me in front of everybody else, but to please tell me so I can help them succeed.
At the beginning of every class I ask if anybody needs any special attention. I let them know they don't have to tell me in front of everybody else, but to please tell me so I can help them succeed.
Yes, I can see that having a negative effect on the learner.
