Providing Support to Students with Learning Disabilities
some of the ways to help students with learning disabilities is to have the student explain what kind of methods worked in the past.
What are some ways you can learn how to help a student with learning disabilities?
Simply show that student that you are there for him/her. I usually tell my learning disabled students that I have read the accommodations issued by the Student Services department, am more than happy to abide by them and tell them never to hesitate to ask any questions. I also like to check in with them about two days before the assignment is due to see how they are doing.
I prefer individual attention with students to ensure they understand what is happening, what they heard, what they saw and read. Ironing out issues early is best.
I have had numerous students with learning challenges. Most often it is reading comprehension problems that I see. One student could easily answer any questions if asked verbally, but would miss a larg number if she had to read the quesitons. For her, I often provided a time that she could review with me. I also incorporated a number of "game" like quizes to allow her to listen to the questions instead of reading them.
I believe the students with a learning disabilities have a greater need to succeed. In saying that, we as educators must seek out innovative means to reach their needs. Engage all of the senses in order for the information to be received.
Obviously ask the student what support is needed and has been successful in the past. Self-advocacy is key here and asking for a copy of an IEP. I have students both read in class and write a shoty paper about themselves at the start. This often alerts me to the level of their skills. I always consult my Director as well and am not afraid to ask for help or advice to assist the student succeed.
I also find this to be true at times. Students may not understand why others, who seem to grasp the material, need extra time on exams. They find it unfair.
The best support would be to listen. Sit down with the student and ask the student to define the disability and ask what things have helped the student in her past studies.
I have found it difficult to "adapt" to students with disabilities due to the fact that other students may feel that they are getting "special treatment".
First determine what the disability is and then ask the student what worked in the past. I have taught algebra to a blind student who used a tape recorder
I have had a student with a sight disability in a computer class.
All it took was for him to tell me of it and the solution was to increase the font sizes for the excercises he worked on.
first using past experance then ask for input from student for any adjustment for learning subject matter
I always ask what thier needs are and how they feel that they learn best. Then I try to incorporate this style in my teaching.
I totally agree with the module materials that students can, and will, tell you what difficulties they have had and which supports worked most effectively to assist them. Therefore, I will either provide individual tutoring time, allow taping of lectures and discussions, special seating arrangements, or additional time as allowable by policy.
I've had students that have had hearing disability and I had to find a different way for them to hear certan things so I had him use a screw driver against his teeth they are very sencitive and vibrations are greatly amplified. it worked great.
I try to encourage students to seek help from the instructors, but some times you have to seek the students out, and ask them if they need help.
I try to do this after class so the student won't feel embarrassed
Hi Sara!
Please share some of those "tricks" with all of us. I'm sure we would all benefit and greatly appreciate the learning opporotunity.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I have researched a few different tricks I can do to keep their focus during tests.
Observation is key, by the time you have your first class and/or assignment you should be able to identify which students may need any extra help and encouragement.
