By asking them what has worked in the past you can learn what delivery method works best for them. This approach shows the student that you are willing to work with them to achieve success.
Students with disabilities require more time, should be listen to, and be treated equally to other students, that is, they should be involved with discussion, activities and the entire learning process.
Communication can help a indivdual with another individual, just by talking to another individual can help you figure out their strengths and weaknesses. After this takes place you can then find out what your nect step maybe, their reading levels, comprehensive levels, and visual levels.
Some ways to help student's with learning disabilities is to select key vocabulary words an dto be repetative with examples of skills pertaining to their course.
Hello Tim
I was worried about the test and examination phase for one of my student's initially. The most pleasant surprise (I should not have stereotyped surprise at that time) was they always scored 100.
One of the techniques I used for my on ground teaching was to give an examination that might take 20 to 30 minutes 45 minutes before the end of class. When a student finishes the examination they are free to leave. The accommodated student usually took the full 45 minutes and at times I stayed until they finished. This usually was no more than another 10 to 15 minutes.
Al
The first time I received a student with a noted accommodation need was very much a learning experience. The coordinator provided a significant amount of information regarding ADA.
Specifically they provided the framework in which the accommodation was to be provided. I found that the student wanted to communicate via email and or telephone on somewhat regular bases. It became obvious and essential to provide them the assurance and “comfort†of knowing I was there to support them. This enhanced communication between us assisted me in assisting them.
I thought the first time would be awkward and I was sure my performance would be woeful. The student’s communication with me provided a great opportunity and experience. This was something I did not expect when I first read the notification of a student needing an accommodation. Something about a book and a cover ☺
Al
To help a student with a learning disability you need to now about the disability. Next, I would learn about my student and how he has dealt with the disability. I would also speak to other teachers who have experience with dealing with students with or without disabilities for fresh ideas on how to best help the student.
One of the most important functions an instructor can provide to students with learning disabilities is their clear and unwavering support of the student. If the instructor has an upbeat and positive attitude toward the student and in addition, if appropriate, involves the rest of the class in supporting that student, a lot of the pressure of "being different" goes away and much more motivated learning can take place within the modifications provided.
My limited experience has been with test taking. Most students like to take exams/quizzes as soon as the class starts. However some students need more time. This extra time requirement can be lengthy. I cannot have the class running while students are still taking an exam.
I now give exams/quizzes in the later part of the class and allow them to take as long as they need. Students can leave when they complete the exam.
I've learned many things from students with learning disabilities. I think the best way to learn how to accommodate them is to listen to them. I think a lot of instructors become initially defensive when a student self-advocates because they assume the worst, that the student is not telling the truth or gain an advantage over the instructor.
Steve Baker
Coleen,
Great job in seeking to help these students. And I agree that when they know how much we care, they will be more engaged themselves.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Students with disabilities normally come to me before the first class to let me know what their specific problem is. Unfortunately, where I work teaching on ground, my special needs students have told me that I have been the only instructor that they have had that will try to accomodate them. I have found that students with visual impairments find it easier to work if they can bring in their laptop and have the information from the textbooks in pfd form that is increased in size so they are better able to see the matierals. I have also enlarged their tests in order to help them. When they know that I am making an effort to accomodate their special needs, they are more engaged and motivated to succeed.
Students with special learning needs often look to the instructor for support. Their needs are, most of the time, not intrusive. Things as simple as allotting more time on tests, providing preferred seating, or reading instructions out loud to them can make a big difference in their success.
Engaging our students one-one is a great way to make them feel safe & often they will disclose certain facts about themselves, such as a learning disability. Also often the student himself may not know he has a learning disability & by talking with him we can help uncover this.
Ryan
I have not had many students with a learning disability, that I am aware of. If they had one they chose not to discuss it with me. I think that I woudl try to be more open to different teaching techniques and make sure to set aside one on one time with them.
Instructors can support students with learning disabilities by giving them more time to complete assignments and helping to with tutoring needs.
Try to research what methods have best gotten through to the student in the past. Even if it means finding out firsthand from the student.
True, often our students are a good example to us on this. Also I would say a credit to you as I think this shows you have created a supportive environment within the classroom.
Ryan
My style allows no other alternative as, unfortunately, I have few other language skills. What facinates me is how patient and helpful other students are of the struggling student, as long as they perceive that he/she is sincerely trying...
I also think "forcing" the students to use these skills in our classes as much as possible will help them. Be understanding & patient, but also force them to use good grammar & sentence structure (speaking & writing) regardless of the core content.
Ryan
