Test Taking
Should LD students be exempt form exams?
Lisa,
yes, this is a great way to help these students who are easily distracted; I have found this to be true in my exeperience as well.
Dr. Ryan Meers
It has worked for me in the past to give the exam in a separate room with limited distractions. If I do this, I rarely have to give extra time.
No I don't believe students with a learning disability should be exempt from exams. The first step is knowing the students disability and make some accomodations, such as; have a written and a verbal exam. Another simple accomodation if a student has test anxiety by being in a room with others, have the student in a room by themselves. This may require the student to take the exam at a different time than the others and coordinating with the instructor schedules.
I have many students that inform me they have “test anxiety (fear of failing).†I unfortunately am one of those individuals, but have learned over the years to cope with the situation. I in turn, have given my students my tricks and tip on managing my anxiety.
Great James!
Why would we want to add just another stigma to an already challenged student by not treating them the same or having the same espectations as we have of their classmates? And - you have an excellent strategy for meeting the needs of all concerned.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I do not think that LD students should be exempt from exams, but I do feel that they should be given more time to take the test, and all the materials necessary to assist them in successfully completing their test.
Hi John!
No - students should not be exempted. Now, having said that they may have to have special accommodations. Those accommodations could be in the classroom or another area. I think it really depends on the student's need.
It's my opinion that most instructor/facilitators are not trained to work with LDS. We obviously can assist or help most students but they are times we must ask for help. The ideal is that each LD student has an advisor who is trained to meet special needs.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 facilitator
I agree that LD students should take an exam, even if it has to be modified, but ensure that it is approved first. It is the only way we can gauge the student as to what the student has learned or comprehended in the course.
I have taken the time necessary to assist that student with LD to take the exams even if it ment I would have to ask the questions in private at a time convenient to both student and myself
I do not think any student with a learning disability should be exempt from an exam. You may need to modify the exam to assist the student with the exam.
I think you cannot exempt any student from any exam. The exam is a gauge we use to see if there is progress toward understanding and learning the material taught. If you were to exempt students from taking an exam, you would not know where they are understanding it or not.
No LD student should not be exempt from the exam, they should if needed be allow extra time.
I think you would have to see if an adjusted test woould work, or even do it in a different delivery mechanism
I have several questions rather than comments. Is the LD student separated from the rest of the class during examinations? If so who monitors them? If not what are the other students doing during the extra time for the LD student? If a reader is provided, who is this person? Are they especially trained or a student acting as a mentor/coach? What do the other students in the class think about the extra time allotted for the LDS student?
How do you handle if a student claims to have test taking issues? They have however taken test and done quite well without extra needs.
Donna
I have a LD student and what our college does is he receives 1.5 X's to complete an exam over the other students and we provide that student with a reader. It works really well. Make sure you keep the student on task thought.
