Zekrayat,
yes, the use of different colors is a great way to help students distinguish those key ideas & it's also inexpensive.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I use many different methods while teaching. For example, what I found to be helpful is using different color dry erase markers on the white board. The students are able to focus on what we are currently discussing while leaving the other material (that was written in different color) as a reference point.
Paula,
and when we can encourage our students & help them see that they are not "stupid" it can make all the difference as your experience demonstrates.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Paula,
yes this is a great way for them to check with their peers & to ensure understanding.
Dr. Ryan Meers
this is so true I was told for years that I was dumb and not college material. I have a BS in science and excell in my field. The hardest thing to over come was thinking that I was stupid.
reviewing class in groups alows students with reading comp. problems to make sure that understand what was talked about in class and that they have adiquit notes.
Elizabeth ,
the visual & hands-on aspects are great ways to help all learners be successful in the classroom.
Dr. Ryan Meers
As a culinary instructor I have the opportunity to often visually demonstrate specific competencies and topics that the students are expected to learn. I will repeat the demonstration during a one on one session to help get through to these students. Often just talking about gluten development isn't enough, but if I can show gluten development the students will understand it.
Provide the learner with a variety of means to learn. An audio tape or video may be more beneficial then reading. Another help is more time to allow the student to not feel as rushed with comprehending the writing.
Benjamin,
these are all great strategies to help the diverse learners even more in our classes.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I've been told that with matching items on tests, students with learning disabilities process the question better when the long part is on the left and the short part is on the right. So if it was a vocabulary section, for instance, the definitions should be in the left hand column and the words in the right hand column. I structure all matching sections in this way just in case I have any students with learning disabilities in my classes.
I also read test directions aloud at the start of an exam to make sure all students know what is expected in each section. Even those without learning disabilities often gloss over parts of the directions, so reading the directions aloud helps to prevent students from missing steps and thereby losing points unnecessarily.
The instructional support that is needed for student with learning disability is to recognize what their inability is, communicate with them to understand what they have done in the past, give them more time to complete a test.
It is important to possibly put them in the front, larger type, tape recorders or other tools that do not really take much time just preparation.
I do this to. Read to them and draw a bigger picture for them to see. Then a power point with pictures where I elaborate and tell them about the body system and how it works. Sometimes I like to bring in a kidney to cross section so they can see real and know what organs are. Its all how you do it. p O'Dwyer
With technology alot. We use more media now than we ever did and it gives the student the latest information and is a great visual. Instructors need to offer time on the side as well as incorporate what that special needs student needs. That could be computor, flash cards, puzzles, word games and hands on games. bringing these into the classroom helps the students get in touch with the lesson from all angles.
P O'Dwyer
Diana,
yes, get to know the student & utilize that IEP for the help it can be.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Depends on the student, I have read exams, given more time, etc for different students with IEP's.
You have to tailor it to the student. Usually the IEP guides you.
Carole,
these are all great strategies for helping these students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
There are several things that I have done in my class. I always ask for an IEP, that is alot of help. I have had students that tape the class. In our school we have a space that student can use that is quiet, with no windows, so there can be no distractions. I have also made handout and tests larger in print. I have never fough a student with a learning disability a "pain" to have in class.
Jean,
yes, the IEP's really are great tools that are very helpful to instructors.
Dr. Ryan Meers
