Students with learning disabilities
Over the past 7 years I have worked with several students with disabilities. My approach is to offer them variety of learning materials, visual text or demonstration. I find that combinig different delivery methods is a great way to reach a student who is stuggling with course materials.
Yes. I agree. During my time with a past student with learning disabilities, I would offer visuals to help him understand what was on the textbook. Also drawing pictures helped him understand the meaning of the topic he had to learn. We also read the material to him instead of having him read it. Word banks were also used when it came time to take his test.
I too over the last 11 years have worked with severl studentswith disabilites. I have often starte with the approach " i have a few disabilites and you may see one but not the other" Also i would go on to say"it wasnt easy sometimes but nothing good is". Then they tend to open up and i always tell them that i can offer them many way to work threw the task at hand.
Bruce ,
Sounds as though you have found some successful ways of supporting the students in your class. That's always nice to hear.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I've had the opportunity to work with challenged students in past and have realized that taking the time to slow down for them to grasp the material, coupled with demonstrations of the covered topic, helps to be sure. In addition, from a culinary standpoint, I find it beneficial to pair these students close to, or with a student that understands the material well. Not as a crutch, but just being close to someone that does things correctly and proficiently, helps them further grasp and complete the needed task in an effective manner.
jason,
What you have just described is the rudiments of Universal Design for Learning. Sounds like you have come to the same conclusion, on your own, that the experts have come to along the way!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
