I am not an expert in learning disabilities, so I cannot, with proper authority, diagnose what was the actual disability, but aspects that relate to dyslexia as I understand it, seem to be prevalent. The typical characteristics of transposing letters and numbers and even making mirror image forms has often been observed. I have also noticed that people who are artistically and creatively predisposed seem to have a greater likelihood toward these tendencies. Some studies suggest (I cannot recall them now, so I cannot footnote this) that right brain predisposition has been observed to correlate to slightly higher rates of dyslexia. But the creative breadth of thought and problem solving seem to be far greater in these same people.
Joe,
I would definitely second this regarding the comprehension aspect. I like the practice of paraphrasing as well.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Leon,
I would agree that this does seem to be an area of weakness for many students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The area where I see the greatest gap with struggling students is reading. At worst, they can not decode well. I always give each student the chance to read out loud which makes this problem clear. Secondly, there are those who read all the words but do not translate them into their own words. Here they are not comprehending, but at best parroting. I work with them on paraphrasing main ideas and separating supporting details.
I have not have the opportunity to work much with students with learning disabilities, at least not that I am aware of. Most of the teaching I do is currently hands-on and verbal instruction and demonstration. This module was really enlightening and interesting.
The most common forms of disability that I have encountered have to do with reading and writing. Some students have learning disabilities that are internal , while others were never given the skills to succeed. Either way, we have to effectively deal with the consequences. Our Student Serives department provides us with information such as extra time needed and or an exam reader, if a student notes any disability on their application and specifically requests these services. If a student asks me, I will always accomodate. If they do not ask, I never bring up the subject.
Reading and comprehension seems to be the most common.
Student writes off topic and does not answer the questions asked.
This is often accompanied by absence of critical thinking.
Leon Guendoo
chris,
I agree that this seems to be an area that many struggle with.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The learning disablity that I have seen the most in my 10+ years of teaching is reading comprehension. I have noticed that they often have other strategies that they have used in the past such as recording lectures.
Michael,
I think this is a great strategy for helping those students who may be struggling.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Michael,
I think this is a great strategy for helping those students who may be struggling.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree. In addition to poor reading skills I have many student s where English is not their first language. For these students the technical terms we often use can be a real challenge for them. I am continually looking for ways to make these terms easier to understand.
The most common form of learning disability I have encountered is the student's lack of reading skills, the ability to recognize words and remember their meanings.
I will take the written material and paraphrase it into my own terms, emphasizing the key points and sequences of operation as it applys to the text.
George,
yes, this definitely seems to be the area of greatest need.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think reading is the most commoon form I encounter, and with that goes lack of comprehension of the material that has been read.I don't have to see a lot of writing in the classes I teach.
I fell that the most common form of Learning disability that my students have is reading comprehension. you can talk to them about the topic and they are very knowledgeable, but it comes to a test they don't show that they know the matterial.
I am not informed of a students diagnosis, only the reasonable accomodations they are entitled to. Most often they are entitlted to having a test reader and extra time for completion of tasks.
Understanding reading material by far. Many students need a verbal explanation of instructions to absorb the material.
William,
I would agree that the area of reading comprehension is definitely a significant struggle for many students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
