I have found that in some cases taking the time to explain things from more than one perspective helps them to understand. I frequently question them to make sure that they demonstrate that they understand what I am saying and they are able to process it so it helps them to understand and in the future be able to apply the knowledge.
bold lettering and numbers when writeing on the board
clear examples and definitions
extra time for assignments
quiet area
someone reads to them
box text so not to wander around page
student explains what has helped them in the past
WRITTEN TEXT THAT IS LARGE.
Patricia,
I agree that this can really make things challenging, especially if the student is hesistant to share or open up.
Dr. Ryan Meers
We have to be really careful in this area because of ADA, so that in our conversation with the student, there is never a possible hint even of a learning disability. If the student tells us about a learning disability we immediately refer him/her to our student resource department. Sometimes I think because of 'political correctness' we might miss opportunites that might be really beneficial for our students.
Lorraine,
and I think that this really demonstrates the importance of being there for our students & listening to them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The student pulled me to the side and informed me that she had special needs in learning. I worked closely with her giving her more time to complete assignments. Placing her in an area of the classroom which she was not surrounded by as many student for test taking was also implemented. Removing as much distraction from around the student worked well.
Michael,
yes those methods can be very helpful with students who may have other challenges in the classroom.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Instructing students with disabilities is completely foreign to me. I can honestly say that of the students that passed through my classrooms none of them had a disability (at least it was never revealed to me or any other faculty members). I have been in courses with fellow students with a disability (not sure what types), however accomodations were made. The support they received came in these forms. A designated notetaker; someone who attended class with the "disabled" student and took detailed lecture notes while the student listened. Another form I witnessed tutoring, someone who worked with the student one assignment at a time, one class. With that method, that student is 3 classes away from this bachelor's degree. Convinced these methods are helpful and work.
Kelsey,
I agree that the more we can listen to our students the better off all will be.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I will always make myself available to those students for tutoring and one on one attention as much as possible. That seems to give them more confidence and they will usually do better on assignments and tests.
I think the key is to listen to the student and find out what works best for them. Be patient and supportive.
Dr.PAVAN,
you are right that we really need to be sure to view each student as a person & a student & then meet them where they are.
Dr. Ryan Meers
the greatest challenge is not seeing them as mentally retarded but identify their area of deicency in learning and use appropiate method to help them. find out about disability by student self advocay or by asking them to write and read certain sentences and after identifying teh problem foolow specific policies and proceedures of institute.
Because the individual students needs can vary over such a broad range it is difficult to come up with a single response to this. You have to look at the individual studen and try to understand his needs, (you may need help in this). Once his needs are known you can use approaches that have worked for him in the past as well as work with the student to see if other ideas might work for him. It takes time, attention and care to come up with a plan that works as well a flexibility to see that it continues to work..
Whether students have disabilities or not I find presenting the material different ways. Reading, oral, visual and hands-on helps all learners retain the info, and particularly those with learning issues.
Online tutorials, web based learning, PowerPoint reviews and the Instructor lead summarization in layman terms.
I was surprised to learn in this forum that we are not required to provide accommodations only prevent discrimination. It was my understanding when I worked in public higher ed that you must provide accommodation if the school receives any federal funds. At our institution, the student must provide evidence of a disability and then the program director determines what instructional support you must provide the student.
Students should be upfront with their needs to the instructor
Paula ,
I could not agree more that our availability & willingness to help is a major help.
Dr. Ryan Meers
