My students with disabilities come to me with an IEP that dictates what is needed. Even with that I have found that by telling them at the beginning of class that I will provide them with some extra time during a test and asking them to stay after so I can make sure they understand the material they seem to respond better during the course as a whole.
use material that they can see. Even if you discribe it so thay can picture it it helps. make sure the whole class is seeing what you are trying to discribe.
We ahve used quite a few supports in our labs but the one thing that I feel works the best is whern an individual students shares the things that have worked for them in the past. I don't care how old they are or what the situation is I try my best to help them all. The biggest challenge is getting the students to take advantage of the help. bottom line is we to make ourselves available for them.
The most common support that is needed is extra time for testing. All of the tests and quizzes that the students take throughout their classes are also available to be taken with headsets in the event that oral testing is needed.
One thing I like to ask the students on the first day of class is that they talk with me one on one or e-mail me any needs that they may need for classroom success. once a student responds, I speak with our academic learning specialist to verify and see what particular arrangements work best for the student's success.
I believe it depends on the student. With some students allowing them more time will be helpful while others may need questions read to them. It is extremely important that the student and teacher discuss the disability and work together to determine what is the best way to help the student while still maintaining the education standards.
There are many types of support from having lots of easily readable lecture, having defferent ways to give out the information, like pictures, recipes that are done well so students can easliy comperent them. Power points that can be show and understood easily. Taking the time to be available to help that person during class and after class. Slowing down and giving the students the time they need to comperhed what is being given out. It may take a little extra time on our part but if we can just keep in mind that that student is trying to learn and we must give them what they came here for.
Provide extra time for lab projects,quite room for test and quizzies,ask what other supports were helpful to them in the pass.If available review IEP.
Providing students more time and making sure they are comfortable in asking questions they are not clear on during class. Oftentimes when the question is held until class is over, it is completely forgotten or some important information is not asked that will assist the student.
more time and specialists
Hi Kenneth!
Sometimes there is just not easy answers. Could we offer proctors for students who require more ono-on-one?
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I have found the biggest challange for me with students with learning disabilities is test taking. when they need questions explained, its hard for me to help them and at the same time not to reveil to much of the answer.
Greetings Jeffrey!
I like this approach! It works particularly well when a class gets to know each other and is committed to everyone's success.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Hi Timothy!
As instructors, particularly at the College level with such a wide variety of students, it is difficult to add a student with learning challenges. A couple of things that I would suggest that we consider 1) schools are in the business of making money as well as educating so I don't think that admission policies are going to change, but I do agree that instructors should be made aware, 2) I am not an expert with the Laws that support educating students with learning challenges, but I do believe that schools are required to adher to some requirements (if there is anyone who can give us the rules/laws/regulations, please help), and 3) I have found that when I have had a challenged student in a class, with very few adjustments, students do very well.
What do you think?
It sounds like you are a very concerned and considerate instructor, who wants the best for your students. Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
The types of instructional support that is helpful to students with learning disabilities will vary by student population. It is important for the instructor to recognize and discuss the disability with the student(s) in order to modify the class presentations as needed. Modifications may include using highlights in class handouts and during presentations (underlining, bold print and boxes around key tasks). Other techniques may require additional pauses to allow the student to reflect on the material. Recording of presentations provided to the student will allow them to review in their own time. The key is to modify the presentation in a manner that meets the needs of your student(s).
It is crucial the student provide necessary documentation from an Office of Student Success etc. very early on in the term.
Most simply ask if it is appropriate for them to use a tape recorder in class.
The final issue regarding instructional support is to provide the student with confidence that you will give them extra time (and their own space should they require/request it) to complete tests and exams.
I agree, I have had many students who dont want to do anything different than the rest of the class, they only want that little extra help understanding. I always try to gear my classes to the bottom scoring members, I find what ever helps one student improve will help several.
This begins at the admissions office -- it is a disservice to admit students with such difficulties without making certain that allowances can be made for them.
to me it is the delivery of the topic and the instructors approach to each indivual and their ability to handle people with learning disabilities. it take the willingness to be humble and understanding.
Giving them a little more time is good. They also need guidance in understanding there class & homework studies. Find out what helps them prepare more effectively for taking exams.
