Hi Earl!
I certainly agree! I feel that every student can benefit from the strategies used with those challenged students. Mybe we don't have to go to the same lenghts with the less challenged.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Making sure the student does not give up when things become more difficult and the student becomes more frustrated.
I believe that adult learners can definitely benefit from this method. Since may are returning to school afters a long layoff providing positive feedback can elavate their self-esteem and validate their decision in returning to school.
Hi Earl!
I really like the strategies that you have mentioned. Slowing the pace can benefit all learners. And - positive feedback is invaluable. We do this with children but what makes us think that adult learners won't respond equally as well?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
One way would be to give short and simple quizes so they can assess their understanding of the material. This can also be a valuable tool for providing feedback and addressing areas of weakness. If they are successful, providing positive feedback can be a powerful reinforcer.
I agree this is difficult, Shannon. But we do the best we can under given circumstances.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Great approach! One more time, the student plays a part in the decision. It is clear that you try to enpower your students.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
So Earl - how would you help students accomplish this?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
Ed106 Facilitator
I encourage student to bring a copy of theit Individual Education Plan (IEP) if they recently graduated from high school. Sometimes valuable information is listed in them.
I would say that finding what works for them them as an individual. There is not a cookie cutter answer. Investigating and talking with the student to find what has worked in the past and what the student believes will work now, in addition to information that a teacher may have found in an IEP will help set forth a plan for success.
For me it is the time factor. I don't have a problem working with a student but I teach in the morning and we have very large classes which makes it very difficult to give individual attention.
One challenge is making sure that such students are on task and comprehending materials to be successful on tests.
I believe the greatest challenge to working with students with learning disabilities is to always make certain that any measures or accomodations you are taking in your instruction are truly effective in helping that student to be as successful in their schooling and/or career path as every other student. It's extremely important to develop a trusting relationship with the learning disabled student so that they feel comfortable sharing their sincere feelings, thought, and needs.
The most difficult thing about working with students with disabilities is getting to recognize and understand the disability. This is a difficulty not only for you as the teacher but also for them. Many people are not willing to admit they have problems or to ask for help. Many of their families are not helpful with their problems or situations. They are seen as stupid and in fact they are not. As a teacher of younger children for 38 years I was often frustrated in trying to find a means to help the child. The families nor the school were willing to help and just said motivate. Motivation is not the only thing we need sometimes. It is important but it can't give us all the answers. How to help is a big question???
Hi Jay,
I think the greatest challenge is making sure they are comprehending the information they are given whether it be during lecture or reading the text book. A lot of times they get extremely discouraged, and keeping a positive outlook for them and encouraging the student helps tremendously.
It is very difficult because sometimes the student does not even realize that they have a disability. The instructors are the ones who assess the student and ultimatley find an issue.
Hi Gary!
Very good example! I am working with an adult student in a trade school environment who has literacy challenges. Therefore, test taking is very diffidult for him. I am now studying with him and I am convinced that if his instructors would be willing to give his test orally that his passing rate would improve. We forget that it is about the process of learning and that we all do it a little differently.
Good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
it seems the greatest difficulty is dealing with the students fear of rejection or simply scared to share with others that they have a disability.
I often will share with the students my disability upfront and honest on day one.....It opens many doors for the students both those that have disabilities and those who do not.
Having suffered myself with dyslexia from early childhood, I achieve a great deal of personal satisfaction working with these types of students. Sometimes the road is long, bumpy, with many u turns but the rewards are endless. More times than not this type of student is brighter than the norm, but has problems expressing themselves through their communication skills.
Once identifying this student type, I will set time aside to talk to the student on a “one to one’ basis and drive home the fact that they are not alone in the process of learning. My opinion is that a good educator will have more than one side road in their bag of tricks to achieve the end result of success for this student. Oftentimes with serve cases, I’ll tell the student of my own story of having learning disabilities with the idea that I’m no mental giant, therefore if I can do it so can you.
My greatest challenge is having patience with myself and slow down. I also need to carve out more time to spend in creating different assignments for them or for working with them one on one.
