Roy,
I think this is a very insightful observation. I wonder if it's because they've not developed those abilities to analyze the content for the day & decide which book to bring? I wonder if these are the same students who tend to highlight the whole page, which results in no information standing out & then they are confused as to what to study? Great observation...
Dr. Ryan Meers
Talking to the student's prior instructors is helpful because you can learn their strengths and weaknesses as well as what has worked or not worked in the past with the student.
Quiz material, student involvement, do they try to lead or follow in the group activities. But most where they try to sit in class. It seems they students that have a learning issue, they seem to try sit in back
Also one thing I picked up, but I do not understand. They seem to bring all books I gave them, not just the one they need
Special learning needs in my students have resulted in the following:1)I have met with them for individualized tutoring if I believe they were behind in the class work or if there appears to be a constant and persistent problem in their sentences or paragraphs; 2)by monitoring student activities in class I an assess how each student is doing and spend extra time with them within class (if I am aware that they are working outside of school) or outside of class. I have met with students individually and assured them that I would work with them. I am now trying to work with a student with proscrastination problems. He can not meet the deadlines.
Jennifer,
I think this is a great strategy as it gives you & the student a private moment to talk about what's getting in their way. It may be a learning challenge or it may that they don't understand this material; either way we can help them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Observing the student in the classroom, lab, and exam process helps me to understand how comfortable they are with the materials. If I can see a student struggling in any of these areas, I can pull them aside to touch base. Generally they is a worried look or a crease in their brow if I have lost them somewhere along the way.
Steve,
This is a great way to provide a safe environment for students to let you know they would like & need help.
Dr. Ryan Meers
During the first class session and then again about a quarter way through, I provide the students an index card and ask them to write down how I can help them be successful in the class. I always follow up with the students, usually before class time to discuss.
In many instances students will let me know if they have a learning disability.
I usually, will observe how they react to reading materials and or my lecture or their homework. Quiz is a dead give away in terms of if in fact they understood the material or not. One either I did not explain it correctly or they just don't understand.
One thing is I am sure to includ those who are shy.
You can assess students needs by identifing what the students wishes are and to achieve their goals.
I think this is a great, non-threatening & non-intrusive way to assess for needs.
Ryan
A good way is to ask a question about one of their experiences and then observe and listen. In keeping with the same theme, I at times ask for a one page hand-written answer. It is very revealing.
