in my teaching career, i have learned a disbility does n0t hinder learning if proper teaching technics are used
Working with students with learning disabilities within a large size class is a great challenge. Students with disabilities need more time and attention and you do not want to fall into the trap of ignoring the other students. It would be of a great help for school administrators not to place students with disabilities within a large class size setting.
I teach at a small private school and find that hardly any students disclose that they have a learning disability to faculty and if they do it is very late in the course. How can I get this information without actually asking ?
My greatest challenge to working with students with learning disabilities is getting them to admit or disclose that they have one. I haqve several students which show classic signs of having dyslexia but "act" as though nothing is wrong for fear of embarrassment. I have had no problem trying to accommodate such students but I really respect those who admit that they need additional assistance.
I think a big challenge is to simply take the time that is needed to sit with the student and have a dialogue about how to proceed to help the student be successful. Whatever the student tells me, I will be able to respond to the information. There is not an easy way - it's one of those "just do it" issues!
Well, its tough but I'm sure there are ways in teaching them. I challenge I could think of is that getting point across or understand course material.
Wesley ,
yes the more comfortable we can make them with the learning environment & with us as the instructor, the greater chance we have of them opening up to us & seeking assistance.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The greatest challenge in working with students who have disabilities is to make sure students are comfortable with the class and instructor and admit they have a problem. Some students are in fear with a disability and do not want to admit the problem. An instructor has to make sure they can work with students to overcome the issue at hand
The greatest challenge is determining the learning disability and finding a way to tailor activities to fit the needs.
Determining what their disability is! Some students have not been tested and have gone their whole life with problems.
My biggest challenge is to get the learner to tell me he/she hasthis. They tend to want to do it without support, and do not realize the the support/accomodation is a tool to level the playing field. They get an attitude that others will think less of them if they use the support.
I give the students the time they need to test. Prior to the test I do an interactive review; we discuss important material that will be covered on the test. I also encourage the students to review the materials on a daily basis and each day provide a review of the previous day’s material that includes examples and experiences. I do experience a problem though when a student continuously arrives to class each day.
I find it difficult at times to find a strategy that works for them. If I have limited input from the student I will try multiple strategies. It takes time but I find that starting small and assessing the progress of the students as you go along helps identify the strategies that work best.
I find the hardest thing about working with students with disablities is, trying not to do too much for them. I find myself checking in with them more than usual. I am very careful not to bring attention to them while in the classroom, but I do know that I offer more help than they usually need.
Tammy,
you are right, our hands are tied until the student seeks our help, just continue to communicate your openness & willingness to help.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Tammy,
yes, unfortunately sometimes we become paralyzed by our fear of offending.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I do something very similiar. All students are to remain seated and work on something quietly so the other students won't be distracted and feel pressured to finish their test
I have found the biggest challenge knowing what "not" to do or say that may be misconstrued as offensive or non supportive.
I find the hardest part is knowing that they have a disability in the first part and then getting them to open up to me about what they need and what they have had provided to them in the past. Once I know what I am dealing with, then it becomes easier to know what I can provide for the student and what will help them be successful in my class.
Trying to find out exactly what the disability is.
Most students are not really willing to openup about there disability.
