I have taught students with various disabilities who had IEPs, and my greatest success with them has been to allow more time for quiz and test taking as well as other in-class assignments.
I agree. Each student is different & I definetly have found that recognizing the students disability and addressing it based on the individual is the best way to approach the situation.
Students with learning disabilities can succeed and enjoy the privileges of educational accomplishment. Some of the ways to help theese students to be succesful is to get their input as to what methods will work best for them. Also, I have found that other students in the class are often willing to help. Allow those who wants to help work with these students but it is necessary for the instructor to follow up regularly with both students to get their opinion and feednback on the working relationship.
Above all you must exhibit patience, understanding and passion. I think an instructor working with students with learning disabilities has to be in the moment. your student must be in the forefront at all times. The instructor must care about the student and want the student to learn. The instructor has to be self-centered and self-absord for the student.
I truly have not been aware of any former students having learning disabilities in my classes. Although I have been aware that some of my students must have some type of disability, no one has ever mentioned to me there was a problem. I think most of my students have figured out their own coping mechanisms by the time we have the opportunity to work with them, because most of them are senior persons in their professions. I will definitely work on being aware of helping persons with learning disabilities in the future.
Hi Bruce,
Yes I agree. I had a student with dyslexia and I did make her fonts larger and bolded the imporant points in the test questions. The students formed study groups with this student and she passed her finals with a B+.
Regards
Cece
A lot of times, when taking tests, especially, I've allowed them to take the tests with the other students (so as not to bring attention to their disabilities), and then when all the other students have left the classroom, I would sit down and read the test questions to the individual with the disability and also give them extra time to take the tests at their own pace.
I generally also go through their notes to make sure that they have all the notes in my lecture to learn from.
Understanding exactly what their disability is and providing the necessary support to help the student.
Hi Mitch,
I teach Music Theory in Florida to students who, for the most part, have had no musical training. So many of my students are ESL students and I frequently find that rephrasing my questions and lectures helps them to understand complex concepts. I find that this also works for students who have other challenges.
giving extra work such as puzzles,word search ect.will help.
I allow my students to record my lectures. I find that students with learning disabilities who record my lectures so that they can go back and review as much as they need are more likely to succeed.
Yes Ellen, finding out what has worked best and what fresh approach do we need to take as a team. When students feel valued and validated, they are more likely to improve in all areas of their lives.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Scheduling a private conference with the student to find out what they have used to increase their success in the past may allow the teacher to make appropriate accomadations without wasting too much time. Additonally, if a student appears to be struggling it is often helpful to ask them why they think they are struggling and what they think would help--lack of sleep is not alearning disability.
it sounds simple, but i just get to know my students as quickly as i can and then work with them on different ways to get them to learn the information.
While I have not had many students with learning disabilities to date, I have had some exposure to a student with dyslexia. This student does not allow me to help him in anyway. It is hard to watch him struggle. I might add that this student is a family member. How can I offer support?
A few strategies that have worked for me include: Providing both verbal and written directions along with images, breaking down tasks into smaller parts, simplifying phrases and being more direct, providing word banks, pause time between steps in directions or between concepts during a lecture to help with comprehension and pausing for about 5 seconds after each point is covered to give time for anyone who is having difficulty to ask questions
A few strategies that have worked for me include: Providing both verbal and written directions along with images, breaking down tasks into smaller parts, simplifying phrases and being more direct, providing word banks, pause time between steps in directions or between concepts during a lecture to help with comprehension and pausing for about 5 seconds after each point is covered to give time for anyone who is having difficulty to ask questions
I have found it helpful to the student when I take extra time before or after class to review material covered in class. I also try to use examples for each content area discussed. Another strategie that works is listening to your student and letting them give you examples of the words they are use to communicating with.
Hi Steve!
As I read back over the postings from the past several months, I found a central theme. Yes, we know we have a challenge, we might even recognize the particular challenge, but I don't think most of us are equipped to handle individual challenges in a classroom environment. Typically an instructor may have 2 or 3 students out of 25 who need special attention. I continue to suggest that instructors use as many tools as possible and include all students, i.e., highlighting areas for special focus, making boxes of info, reviewing strategies to benefit all students.
It is very difficult for any instructor to assist a few students from a time standpoint - so help them all. That's not to say that we shouldn't provide that one-on-one where necessary. But I do believe that including all in our strategies for working with challenged students,benefits everyone.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I like to find out exactly what their disability is and how they have dealt with it in the past. I then try to make every accommodation I can that will help them to be as successful as every other student in the class. I think the best thing is to make the student feel comfortable enough to share the disability with you and have the student work with you to make the most of what they have and try to improve upon what they don't.
