The Students Attention
If a student have a possible learning impairment that is not informed or brought to the instructors attention during class, how would the the instructor be able to decipher on how to keep the student attentive? I know keepingthe students attention is very important and show be a top priority but if the impairment is unknown how would this be rectified?
Shawannna,
I would start by talking with the students once I observe that there is some kind of disconnect between the student and the course content. This would be done privately so I could gain insight into what kind of support I might be able to provide. If it is a reading comprehension issue I would ask the student to work with the Student Assistance Office for ways to overcome this learning challenge. Also, if the student had an Individual Education Plan (IEP) in high school I would ask that students to let me know what worked to help him or her learn successfully in high school. The challenge to all of this is that adults have to self disclose that they have a disability in order for them to receive any type of support or assistance. If they do not then the school does not have to provide them with any type of modifications such as extra time to take tests or adaptations such as reduced reading assignments. Many adult students do not want to self disclose and as a result they flounder or fail in college and this is sad since they could receive needed supports and they could be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
