Learning Disabilities
In the last few years my student population has contained more and more students with learning disabilities. Your section on the various types of learning disabilities was quite enlightening. It helped me to understand how to be a more effective instructor to those students with learning disabilities.
Hi Michael,
I feel the same way. It just appears to be that more students today are being labeled with disabilities and often give up on their learning potential too fast. I know that most of these disabilities can't or won't go away, however I feel as if they can be worked with successfully.
Hi Don,
I also noticed this as well. When I teach on-ground, I will usually be able to notice those students with a disability. However on-line it seems as though I always get a few students that are allowed extra time because of their disabilities.
I am not against giving additional time and helping, however some of those students use the excuse to their full advantage and don't try to keep up to date.
Hello Nancy, I totally agree with you on this discussions topic. The only issue I have that if student let the instructor know about their disability proactively in advance, that would make the transition much easy to work with that student. I did experience this area with couple students with learning disability in my class in the past.
I have not experienced any of this yet but appreciate the advice.
I'd been in that situation where I had a hearing impaired student but English is my second lenguage and so it was for my student also. I had to speak clearly so he could read my lips.
I agree with you Jay. The first semester that I ever taught a college class I had a student who was hearing impaired. I was a challenge because I speak so rapidly. Sooo I had to slow down so the student could read my lips. The class got a better me and the student got the benefit of my lessons and my humor!
Hi Nancy!
The funny thing is that I think I learned that I may have a disability! I have always been fearful of math and "math-like" subjects. Maybe my parents could have looked into the idea of a disability and then they would not have spent so much money on tutors. I never felt stupid -just misunderstood.
In my classes as well. The most common accomodations I make are allowing the student to take tests and quizzes in the testing center, where it is less stressful than in the classroom and there is a reader if necessary, and providing handouts in large type.
this will help me see students in a different light that have concerns
If you teach long enough there will be many cases of students with learning issues. So of them, you as an instructor may have to explain to them. The more you have, the better you will be able to help them.
Hi Don! Thanks for your comments. You're right, it is important for any student to know what the field will expect from them - these expectations might be mor challenging for a student with special needs, however, I have found that special needs students, serious about their training, adapt well and maximize their learning despite their challenges.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
In my field we are seeing more and more students with special needs which is challenging for a field that requires physical activity and critical thinking skill. I know and have seen people success in our field with these disabilities but I think that going in, the student does need to know that their maybe limitations.
Thanks Eugene, I have also found over the years that challenged students have certainly helped me improve my teaching abilities.
Jay
ED106
I have a syudent every so often the is I.E.P. and I find that I learn a little something from them.
Thanks for your input, Michael! As you referenced, sometimes very simple visual adjustments and visual aids can make a big difference.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
I'm not sure if I'm seeing more students with learning disabilities or if I'm just becoming more capable of recognizing students with learning disabilities. I think the latter is probabally true. As I learn about this topic, it is easier to identify these students.
As we update tests in our program, I'll be sure to apply what I've learned here. e.g. space between paragraphs, underline key words, keep content brief, outline test questions with a box
Michael Benfer
What you learn to help these students many times can be used for all to get a better understanding.
Hi Jay, I'm glad the section you referenced has helped. I wanted to repeat a reply to you that I posted previously to a participant regarding students with learning disabilities. Here it is:
I've found that adapting my instructional delivery and the types of assessments I've used to students with special needs and/or learning disabilities, without drawing undue attention or minimizing their independence, works too.
Thanks for your comments in the forums.
Jay Hollowell
ED106 Facilitator
I have not yet experienced having students with learning disabilities in any of my classes. I agree with Nancy Carr, the section regarding the various types of learning diabilites helped prepare me for what I can do in the future. Thank you, Jay C.
