Disabled Students
Learning is something that happens naturally, no matter how big or small & with that said, just because a student is disabled, doesn't mean they don't possess the capabilities to learn and be successful in their own right.
Clinton,
I agree Clinton. Sometimes its difficult to understand the reasons in which a student makes the decision not to self-disclose a disability which causes learning difficulties-especially those disabilities that are "invisible". Many times, the student wishes to remain anonymous or wishes to "give it a try" without asking for any type of assistance. It's important to speak with students about the benefits of self-advocacy. It's their education, they are paying for it, taking advantage of all the supports that are available to a student can mean the difference between academic (and personal) success.
Sarah Smoger
I have worked around people with disabilities, and were good at their jobs, but as instructors, if the students would tell us in the beginning we could make their learning process a whole lot better and give them some one on one if they required it.
Sherry-Lynn,
Many (but not all) of the things that might have been provided for students with disabilities in K-12 could also be available to students at the college level if it is deemed appropriate to provide access (extended time, a reader, a quiet proctored setting are all common). There should be someone at your institution who has the responsibility of evaluating the information about the student's disability and what accommodations are necessary for access. It is their job to pass along to instructors the necessary info as to what MUST be done to assist these students (by law). Of course, instructors are never limited from choosing to do more!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
A student with an IEP or 504 Plan will have accommodations for testing; extended time, read aloud, separate setting, multiple sessions etc. This is in the public setting. Students coming into college who had these plans in high school as I understand do not have to have these things provided in college as a legality. I think that instructors need to work with the student. Offering many ways to assess is possible. In the online environment the student as built in the ability to extend their time, pace themselves. I offer students the opportunity to re-do an assignment if they have writing difficulties.
Sherry-Lynn,
Can you relate this to students with disabilities? How can/should assessment of students with disabilities vary?
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Ereca, So true. Learning happens at varied rates for individuals. This is on of the basis for the change in the assessment of learning in our public schools. We look not only for proficiency we also look for individual student growth.
Ereca,
I like your statement -- we cannot define "learning" for someone else, because it is a personal thing. What you choose to learn and take away from a new educational opportunity may be different than my choice!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
