I have a child with autism, I have found that by working with him and other children in a special education setting, that i have improved my skills and knowledge of the needs of people with learning disabilities.
BARBARA,
this really is one of the best ways to help the struggling student.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Talking with the student as to what strategies were used to help them become succesfl.
Melissa,
this is very true. If the student has an identified disability & they are willing to disclose the specific nature, we can be in a much better position to help them in our classes.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think one of the ways to help students with learning disabilities is knowing what the disability is first. After assessing what the disability is then you can make the accomedations that the student needs. I have had experiences with students who have visual learning disabilities and the student found it extremely helpful for me to print out their terminology words and handouts in larger print.
Being flexible is a good way to help students with learning disabilities. Instructors may have to alter teaching methods, or adjust assignments to accomodate a disability. Also, instructors should remain non-judgemental, supportive, and sometimes patient when helping a learner with a disability.
Terry,
this is an excellent point & one that we should highlight & emphasize. The more we communicate with our students & demonstrate our openness to them, the greater the likelihood that we will be able to truly help them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
By maintaining a rapport and an open dialog to assist in developing techniques to make the instruction more effective for them.
martin,
this is a great strategy as many of them have found ways to help these students & you can borrow their brains.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have had discussions with other instructors, on how to handle the learing disablities
students with learning disabilities, I would allow more time to complete the assignments and provide tutoring upon student request.
Doreen,
yes asking the student is a great way to see what has really helped them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Doreen,
yes asking the student is a great way to see what has really helped them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
talk to the student and ask what has helped in the past.
Sandra,
and the more we can tap into these previous methods that worked for them the greater chance we have of helping them be successful in our course as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Having worked with some students with learning disabilities, they usually come up to you the first day of class to discuss. They usually have a good understanding of the different method of modifications that I need to make for them to be successful within my classroom.
Jaquana,
I'm a big believer in just asking the student for what has helped, let's repeat that success.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Most students with learning disabilities usually migrate toward the front of the classroom. This keeps them more attentive
This course has been really helpful and educational. I think, first, we must be aware of type of learning disability. Asking the student what has "worked" for him in the past is a great way of helping the student.
For the ones with reading difficulties, I have them make flash cards with a visual cue on it as well as text. I also use lots of visuals and examples during lectures as well as diagrams on exams. It really seems to help with relating the words to pictures. Most of the students with special needs here have the paperwork done so they get extra time on exams too.
