I have found that offering tutorials, having a reader or scribe or both for tests, using study groups and testing in a private setting has been very effective for students with learning disabilities.
i give them extra time on their assignments, help them get the support and tutoring needed to help them succeed and ask them if they ever need a little extra help. It shows them that we truly care.
I agree! Patience is the number one key here. I have also found that what I do to help assist the student with the learning disability (larger text on outlines, tape recording) the other students in the class also would like and it makes the learning disabeled student feel like just another student in the class.
To talk to them and see what has worked for them in the past. The more you deal with students with learning disabilities the more knowledge you will gain to use with future students. There is also an abundance of websites that offer information on how to help students with learning disabilities.
The best way to help a student with a learning disability is to ask them. Once you know what type of disability the student has you can work with them to find the best means possible to allow them to succeed.
Try to get some feedback from the student regarding what may have helped them in the past. Be aware that they may need extra time.
I find that having patience with students that have learning disabilities helps in all areas. It's also helpful to share the fact that I have dyslexia myself. It is not an easy task at first, but once you reprogram your way of listening and finding the best practices for studying habits as well.
Great idea & a good reminder for us instructors not to be afraid to try new & different things.
Test the waters! See what techniques work better to get the points across and then dwell on them
So true. I think too often we are afraid to just ask these students this question but it's a great strategy.
Ryan
As the course notes stated, the best way is to ask the student what has worked for them in the past. They will have formed strategies that have allowed them to succeed thus far. There's no need to re-invent the wheel for them.
Hi Walter!
It's always a very big help when students self disclose and can share previous successes. Otherwise, I think that we can assume that we have at least one challenged student and then just prepare handouts or other work as though the entire class is challenged. This is where color could be used and other creative ways to present info.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
The most effective method to help is by allowing the student to tell you the problems he/she has and what solutions were effective.
You can block off assignments by drawing boxes around a paragraph so the student can focus on the text. This method would stop eye wondering and force the student to concentrate.
Talking with students and observation are a wonderful tool to provide the necessary tools to assist students succeed regardless if they have a learning disability or not.
Diana
I very much agree with your thought on learning disabilities. Some students are embarrased to admit that they have a learning disability and a great tool is just simply by observing the student and with pre-test. Great post.
Diana
Evaluate the students past learning experience and intelligence. Develop a plan how the student can relate to the subject matter. Be patient and attentive to all concerns and questions. Keep positive reinforcement.
We always have to be patient with students especially when they have some form of learning disabilities.
Hi John!
I would love to hear how this forum has helped you and how you plan to apply the knowledge. Please share!
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
This was very helpful! I have a student I believe has a learning disability and has not told me. I think I can go to him and understand and help him! GREAT!!!!
Hi Kiarra!
It sounds like you have developed an excellent approach to identifying student needs. Please share some of the things that you have implemented to determine student needs.
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
