Learning disabilities
Students who choose not to share they have a disabilty until they are concerned with their grades? How to get student to come forward with issues?
Brandon,
and these stories can also provide a great learning tool for them as well as they can learn from your mistakes/failures.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I try to let my students know that I am here for them and help them feel comfortable around me. Sometimes I share breif stories of my failures to let them know I'm just like them and need help too.
I think that is wonderful. Providing students with this information, will hopefully help them to understand that it can be done. I think that students with learning disabilities are "scared" to come forward with this information. The term "learning disability" puts those students in a certain category that is hard to get out of. My youngest daughter has ADHD - this is a big learning disability for her, due to the fact that she can't pay attention long enough to get direction on work. She is on medication now, and that is helping tremendously. i am fortunate that we were able to find a way to help her so that she wouldn't become so frustrated with the teacher. We have also let the teacher know this, so that she is aware and can help when she is having trouble focusing on the task at hand.
James,
what a great story to share with everyone & especially as you pointed out to get students to reach out for help.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The old adage of, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink", applies in this situation. I am fortunate to have a son with learning disabilities who learned from LD Support to overcome his issues. I use him as an example of how he overcame his disabilities and has become a successful nurse in a NYC surgical/teaching facility. He teaches "doctors to be" along with his patient care duties which has been a big boost in his self-esteem. Examples are the best ice breakers for those afraid of reaching out for the help.
Ray,
yes, our openness & willingness to help is a great message to send from the very beginning to the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
always mention ways they can recieve help
Explain to students on day one that they can talk to you in private about issues they may have and that can remove some of the stigma.
Susan,
unfortunately I'm not sure you can. Beyond making yourself available & letting them know you want to help them, they must take that ownership & seek the help.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Students who know they are deficient in learning but do not accept the help that you give them. Even when another student tells them they got help when they went to their instructor - they still will not accept the help. How do I get them to overcome this?
Julie,
this is definitely a tough & sensitive issue. The best suggestion I can make is to consistently demonstrate that you are there for the students & encourage them to bring all challenges to you.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
