Providing Support to Students with Learning Disabilities
What are some ways you can learn how to help a student with learning disabilities?
One way to help a student with a learning disability is to ask the student what worked in the past. what was helpful and what was not, and what would they change.
The first thing I will do is ask them how they did in other classes. See what worked for them as far as studying and test taking. I always have the student set up time for us to do one on one tutoring.
I find that keeping tabs on their progress, talking with them about what would help, and giving them more time for assignments and tests all are beneficial.
Some things that can help students with learning disabilities are recording the lectures. Providing extra time for test or quizzes. Give students copy of the lecture notes with highlighted information.
Create an open environment so that the students feel comfortable asking questions in class. I share with my students that most of my life I have been diagnosed with ADD and that I struggled with it for a long time. Relating to them can make them feel more comfortable expressing themselves.
This one hits home. Our daughter was "undiagnosed" dyslexia in middle and high school. To help her study, my wife, daughter, and I would come up with clever ways to help her learn and absorb. In college, she was officially diagnosed with dyslexia and was actually relieved to understand why she always had to work harder for good grades. She learned "work-arounds" (i.e. writing her notes out multiple times, applying songs for memorization). She graduated from college, earned her MS.ed and teaches for a large public school system.
Dwayne,
this is a great way to help students who are struggling in our classes.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like to do a lot of one on one with the students.
Brian,
this is a great idea as the student who has the disability then can fully listen to the lecture & what is being covered.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
In the past, I have had success asking whether a fellow classmate would mind volunteering to take and type notes for students with learning disabilities. I then review the notes for accuracy before distributing them to the student(s) with learning disabilities. Surprisingly, I have always found volunteers who don't expect anything in return. Often, they have shared that the experience enhanced their comprehension of the subject matter as well.
I once had a student in my Medical terminology class who couldn't understand the terminology, so she came to me and explained that her attention and understanding the terms were difficult for her and could she take the test away from the class in the back of classroom. She had previously failed the test and I knew something was wrong. She was able to pass her test which was an opened book test.
Melissa,
yes, asking them what has worked for them in the past & using that to help them is a great idea.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Them helping me help them, is one of the ways I can learn from them. By providing me with feedback on some helpful learning strategies so they feel comfortable and confident. Also, I am willing to provide more time on quizzes and exams, and administering these tests verbally.
By helpping them in different wasy,making them feel good about themselves and positive motivation.
- Ask what has helped in the past
- Assist in self-assessment of learning style (reading, writing, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.) to help with studying and learning
- Assist with finding/providing resources for learning based on what worked in the past and learning style
- Expand options for what helped in past (saying out loud? Is student reading book/notes out loud? Answering questions in class for verbal reinforcement of material? Need a private room to read test out loud?)
Malcolm,
the idea of the take-home quizzes or utilizing a learning portal if you have them is a great way to allow that extra time & opportunity for focus.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Currently I have an Algebra student who is hearing impaired. The signers are a tremendous help of course and he receives extra help through an accommodation as well. Last term in a small Statistics class I was able to use Take-Home quizzes that allowed extra time, and less stressful time, for each student, especially the sight impaired one---who was a great listener, of course.
Chris,
this is a great point. We need to do what is within our power to help these students & show that we believe they can make it.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree. One statement I make on the first day of each course is that "I have had students with issues in the past. Some are language difficulties, sometimes learning troubles. If you let me know in advance, there may be ways I can assist you."
