Focus more with students who need helps.
Understand students educational background
Test student's strength and weakness
Listen to student’s wishes and expose him to different methods until you find the harmonious one
I have made sure to spend extra time to make sure they have understood the material that was gone over in class. Sometimes that extra alone 1 on 1 time can be very helpful.
It totally depends on what the learning needs are. If the have trouble reading and comprehending i will focus on them more and refer them for tutorial services.
The strategy that has always worked for me is making the time either before or after class to make sure the specific students are all right with the pace and material of the class. If they are not then we can sit down and go over the points that need attention.
Alan,
I like what you said here, especially your last point. We need to seek to help all of our students as much as possible considering many of them are making some type of sacrifice to be back in school.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Some strategies that I have used when working with students with learning needs are providing the student with additional tutoring and classroom time. I always offer them an hour before class time to meet with me and I review the previous class lecture. This allows me to monitor the student understanding as well as give that student additional practice to be prepared for the new lecture. I also try to help them pair up with students who are above average achievers. Peer-to-peer relationship helps with providing those students with additonal help. Also, students sometimes learn better from another student.
When students see success and are modeled success they will succeed. It is paramount to help them improve and help them on this path. Positive and encouraging feedback is the best remedy. They have made a commitment to return for their education and it is essential we enhance and not diminish that spirit.
Alan,
again you've hit it on the head. The key is to get these students the help they need, if we possibly can, & still expect quality work from them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Alan,
I think this is a great strategy. As I read that, it allows students to succeed in the content area, yet they are still accountable for writing skills.
Dr. Ryan Meers
CHARLENE,
I think you've hit on a key point here. Finding ways to help these students be successful in different ways without just making it easy. You've given some examples of that very thing; the students still did the work, just in a little different way.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Hello Erik
I have started to give a pre-test in the first class using an assortment of multiple choice, true - false, fill in the blank and short one to three sentence answers.
This is a non-graded assignment that provides them with a preview of what our tests will consist of in the weeks ahead.
Al
Hello Diane
I have seen an number of universities provide tutors for English writing, math, statistics, Microsoft office, oral presentations, PowerPoint and APA.
When a university takes this vital step it provides us with something else in our "tool box" to assist our students.
It is so much easier to grade well written work than work that is less then well written. Good writing becomes a win - win. The student clearly benefits by improving this skill and we the joy of reading work well done. I much prefer they earn the A. :))
Al
The first thing is being able to observe a learning need. If I am fortunate enough to recognize a learning need such as writing, speaking, inductive and or deductive thinking skills to name a few, I will assess if I or another resource at the university has the ability to help the student.
The skill set I see the most difficult with is writing. In an online modality, writing skills are paramount. Even in on ground education the writing skill is an essential requirement for the students’ success.
I usually grade on a 70% content and 30% for spelling, grammar, punctuation, word choice, sentence structure, APA, citations, references, organizational structure, clarity and logic. This allows what I believe is the opportunity to enhance the students writing skills as well as ensuring they have mastered the academic content of the class.
Al
I try to implement a win-win scenario as much as possible when working with students with learning needs: I focus on positive reinforcement. I also try to trouble-shoot difficulties that may arise because of the special need. Sometimes I have worked with students who had limited ability to read but were incredible auditory learners. Once I worked with a student post-CVA who had physical disabilities which impacted his ability to type or learn 10-key. I worked with him on adaptation so that he could still be successful with a task but just in a different way than other students.
I find encouragement and involvement helps. A quiet place for test taking also helps.
Timothy,
I too find that stating what we are going to cover & the objectives for the session at the beginning & then revisiting them at the end is very helpful to all of our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
One strategy that I use is the outline and handouts. In addition in my presentation I show pictures and/or bring in props (examples) that help bring the points across.
In addition, another strategy that I includeis the recap at the end. In the Army we are taught that in the beginning you state the objectives you will accomplish and in closing you recap what was discussed, to include examples.
Another strategy I try to incorporate into my lectures, inservices or bedside teaching is interaction with the student or patient. I use an individual to help demonstrate the task.
This is a bit difficult to do with online students, where the primary means of communitions is the submission of written works. When I find spelling & grammar issues I point it out and try to offer simple solutions. I try to build their self-confidence.
I have a student in my class who has reading deficiency. She has a difficult time reading and understanding the content. I have tried to delvier the content in a simpler manner; using terms that she can understand. Giving examples associated to the content has helped her with learning the new concepts and material.
