Hi Brigette!
Yes, any past information that an instructor can get is probably the most helpful thing that can happen. It give us a place to start.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
Ed106 Facilitator
I have noticed when I was a new instructor it was harder for me to notice the students who had learning disabilities. However as I became more comfortable with teaching there are things that I implement in the begining to see which students have difficulties reading, writing and comprehension. Usually by the first week I can estimate which students are going to have a general problem just because they have been out of school for a long time and those who have a real problem and will need to have addtional tutoring in order to be successful. I often find that the one's who do have a serious problem are the ones who did not graduate from high school with a diploma and due to that fact are unable to attend class or eventually drop.
most of the time students appreciate the extra help you give them. if you have the resource it would help them out by reading the questions on the test to them so they can comprehend the questions better.
An instructor can help students with learning disabilities by speaking with the student to discuss support that may have been useful in the past. Allowing the student to have more time on assignments/tests may be useful also.
I agree, if the student doesnt inform you they have a disability it could take awhile before you realize and waste a lot of time when you could have been working with them sooner.
Thanks Dan for all the great suggestions for those of us who have had less experience in working with challenged students.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Finding out a students disability is key to helping them. It is also important to comminicate with them and find out how they learn best.
My husband has mild dyslexia, so I know that numbers are his weakness and to give him time to process them. But he also holds a Master's degree and is very intelligent.
The most important way is to ask the student what has worked in the past for them. This prevents trying to "re-invent the wheel", and saves much time and possible frustration in meeting the needs of a student. Also, listen to what the student is telling you, and realize, though they may say they have dyslexia, the issue may be some other learning disability, due to the fact that dyslexia has become a generic common term for all learning disabilities. Extra time, selective seating, working with a scribe, boxing in specific areas of work, or providing large print are other methods for assisting students with specific learning disabilities.
I have learned the best way to help a person with disabilities is to support and be willing to give a little extra time for them to complete work. The only thing that I have noticed is that I can't do anything until they are willing to talk about it with me. I have had students who do not want to talk about it and say they don't need anything. I do encourage them to ask if they would like and then I must leave it in their hands.
Asking the student does work ,but I usually have to bring it up to them when reviewing a test grade and I ask them is there any thing i can to do help them. I like to ask them the questions verbal and see their response, and go from there, on how do they study etc
Always ask questions in a clarifying manner, then have the students with learning disabilities describe his or her understanding of the questions.
Greetings!
An excellent way to give positive reenforcement and help build confidence.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
It is important to keep tabs on students with learning disabilities. Whether its more eye contact to keep them engaged or spending a few minutes to check in on their progress is very important.
i actually had an asian student in my class that needed to use an electronic interpretor. usually we don't allow any electrtonic devices, but his fellow students knew about his disability and we allowed it.
It is a good practice to meet with students outside of the classroom setting to personally get to know them. This is a opportune time to gather useful information about their learning history. Tip on ways they have managed their disability as well as new methods that can be ultilized could be discussed.
Hi Alicia!
Very well stated and a great approach! People just want to be recognized for their needs and as you said they do relax and learnig begins.
Keep up the good work1
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
In my short teaching career I have come across a number of students with learning disabilities. I was very surprised and also very proud of their desire to succeed and become a useful member of society.
One of the most effective tools I have recognized is simply paying attention to them and listening to what they need. Once they know you are receptive to their needs, they relax and perform better without much effort.
I feel the anxiety around their issue sometimes plays a larger role than the issue itself. Therefore, providing a comfortable learning environment in addition to understanding their specific needs is beneficial for all students, not just those with learning disabilities.
The student must come to me for help otherwise I can't help or don't know how to help them succeed. It's very frustrating when you know a student has a problem and won't admit it to you or won't come and ask for help because of embarressment, especially when you want so much to help them. Everyone in the class sees the problem and it's just as frustrating for them as it is for the instructor, I think! I've had a student come to me crying already because she just couldn't understand her assignments. I tried to help her in all kinds of ways but she just gets someone to do her work for her. I finally said I will show you but you must do the assignment yourself.
Pay attention to their reaction when you challenge other students. It will be a key to what they respond to. Be patient and give them small victories to boost their confidence.
