When working with students with disabilities I have found that by offering some extra one-on-one assistance with the course material after class helps a lot. This, coupled with extra time for taking tests and offering a quiet environment to take a test pretty much gets the student through.
I can see how students with learning disabilities would do well in groups. They could help eachother learn.
I have had very good success with learning disabled students. I have been teaching many years and working with learning disabled students and adults in my community. What I have found, it just takes a little more time to get to know the individual, their specific needs, and what works for them in the learning processes. I find as much reward in their achievements as they do. Timely positive re-enforcement and feedback are essential to their learning.
I was a Learning Specialist for 13 years in the community college system and for a time at Stanford University. No matter the type of student, Ivy League or JC, students with learning disabilities all utilize similar accommodations. No two students are affected in the exact same manner even though they may have the same disability, however, many of the same strategies work. For example, several of my students with Dyslexia enjoy audio books or electronic text that can be read aloud by assistive technology. In addition, many of those students feel that they are affected less by their Dyslexia when they use a colored filter over their reading (like a colored screen on the computer or colored transparency over their textbook).
I would encourage the use of extended time in a distraction reduced setting and vary additional accommodations as needed.
Above and beyond actual accommodations would be to help the student strengthen their learning strategies. Often students are not taught HOW to learn, so helping a student learn to learn is key. For example, teaching them reading strategies like SQ3R, test taking strategies, note taking and organization strategies and time managment are critical for their success (and any student's success really).
I have had a few students with a mild form of autism called Aspergers Syndrom.
I was notified to work with them but given no instruction as to how or what is needed.
I spent some time researching the disorder, what to look for and what kinds of things can I do as an instructor to help this type of student be successful.
I have had excellent results with just some simple practices that actually help every student.
Consistency is very important. Outline the days activities on the board, make sure you always put the information in the same location each class period so it is consistent.
Having the student sit closer to the instructional area allows you to observe and avoid a students frustrations if they need additional explanations.
The few reading I did outside of class really helped me avoid my own frustrations and enjoy the process of reaching this type of student and having a successful outcome.
I get a sence that working in groups is factor for helping students with learning disabilities. One on one with the student/istructor in the private setting as well as with the students group on occasion could also be very helpful. Motivating the student with the learning disability is key for the students developement.
The school usually lets the instructor know if a student needs special accommodations. I will sit one on one with the student to determine what has been successful. I also always give visual examples of finished projects and discuss expectations.
Nadh,
great point! These activities can be a great help to the struggling learners as they can tap into their classmates' expertise.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Nadh,
great point! These activities can be a great help to the struggling learners as they can tap into their classmates' expertise.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Team activities seemed a good approach to me with different learners and may help to overcome the disability by accommodating their other learning styles which may be stronger.
The first and foremost strategy is patience. By understanding the students individual dynamics, just as you would with anyother non-disabiled student you will now the best means to address that student. We all are not perfect and in dealing with individuals who have learning disabilities I tend to let them share as much as they like about it and then having a frank and open disucssion regarding the needs and expectations along with the accomidations to be made. By letting the student know that sometimes we all struggle with things brings them closer to being open and honest with you as an instructor.
In our school, if a person has a learning disability that has been previously communicated, an Accomodation is given to the instructor giving specific instructions as to what is required for the student. This is helpful in that it requires little to no time in preparing for the student's needs. When a student has a learning disability but has not communicated this, it may take awhile to recognize. Once you notice this, it's important to address this with the student in a private setting. Some of the strategies for student success is to spend additional time with the student, one on one, possibly tutoring before or after class. Another strategy is to allow additional time to complete a project or test. Frequent monitoring of the student is also helpful so as not to get the individual behind in the course.
Tammy,
this is a great demonstration of your willingness to be there for the student & to help in any way possible. I think when the students sense this, they are more willing to open up about struggles.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
One of my student was not able to associate anatomy (Skeletal System)from the book to the body. So with the students permission, we reviewed the test together pointing to each bone and the location. Once the review was over, he was able to take the test himself with the new knowledge he had aquired. I did notice he was pointing to each part of his own body while answering the questions.
Over the years, I have done well with students who have learning disabilities by just talking to them when they have trouble understanding something. Most students with dyslexia can understand illustrations or verbal content easily and that can help them to understand the written content.
Educating the other students is also a benefit to small groups and students with learning disabilities. We are quick to jump to conclusions when someone is "different" and label people as "stupid or slow". When students can work together and help each other this will often open the eyes of the other students that people with disabilities are no more or less then the rest of us, they have usually had to be better to overcome challenges that they did not have to face.
Dale,
this is a great idea to help them prepare for the reading & review while they go along.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
To help with reading assignments,I provide a brief outline of the key topics. Sometimes I include questions to be answered by the student before coming to class. This seems to help with organization of ideas and concepts.
Diana,
the one on one time is invaluable, both to get to know the students & also to let them know that we are willing to help them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Diana,
the one on one time is invaluable, both to get to know the students & also to let them know that we are willing to help them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
