What are some methods that have been successful for you in working with students with learning disabilities?
Most of the adult learners that manifest disabilities in my classes, have presented me with having to develop, shall we say, "Off-the wall" approaches to subject matter & delivery. I find that very often, I cover a topic, and then ask the usual: "Any questions"? I glance around the room for any response. Suddenly, I seem to have a bad case of, "The same-three zombies", staring back at me. These are the ones who, early on, exhibited the signs of learning disabilities. I find it fairly helpful at that point to go around the room, choosing "Other" students and asking them to express their viewpoint on the topic just covered. If I have, say, 15 in the class, the learning-disabled students are now presented with many other approaches to the topic. This is a great way to not only get the material to those students, but to dispel any incorrect assumptions made by the 12 other students. It also does 2 other things. The slower learners feel less intimidated, and they usually "want" to actively participate. After all, "Everybody's got something to say, Right"?
In my teaching experience, I have provided copies of the presentation for the course. I have also tried to break the subject matter down for them on a level that is easy for them to comprehend and apply it. I also allow them additional time when I administer tests.
I've found that just talking to them about what problems they are having can help me to alter the approach I take in teaching them material.
Usually when I teach a class I like to involve the students to give them more of a hands on feel with the topic. The students with learning disabilities tend to have an easier time understanding by doing.
i have to spand additional time with student who has problemm with learning, for exemle tutoring after class
Allowing more time to complete assignments and providing one on one time (instructor to student) are two things that have worked for me with students who have learning disablilities.
students that have disabilities will often let me know. This strategy of self advocacy alone is the biggest help. It saves a lot of time in figuring out that there is a problem and back tracking to provide support.
Small group workshops, I try to get people that are good at helping people. Just because I am a instructor does not mean I can get a topic to students they will all understand. I will ask other students how they understand one area. And sometimes it pays off and a student that a issue will learn it.
I have not worked with students with learning disabilities before but as mentioned in my previous post, I would allow students to record my lectures if they wanted to. I know for me I am able to better understand the lecture better if I have a recording because I may have missed a point or two while trying to keep up writing the points down. I would also give handouts and use real to life examples, props and pictures.
I haven't worked with any student with learning disablilities, if I did, I didn't know if that student had disabilities. I teach online, so it hard to know, unless the student tells me. However, I can relate to this, since I do have a "learning disability". I make it known to the instructor (if needed) that I do have a 'minor' issue and explain. I request for just a little extra time, which helps.
I have emphasized their strengths and snuck in practice on their weaknesses. For example, my student could recall things from memory but had trouble with grammar, pronunciation, and reading so we worked together on reading aloud while going over tests and we would fill in charts on the board.
Giving students extra time to take tests has been beneficial to some of my students.
I currently have a student with a learning disability and we found that allowing the student to go to another room by himself helped him concentrate better to take quizzes and test.
Kathy,
Yes anytime we can work variety into our teaching all of our students benefit, but as you said especially those students who have learning challenges.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have found some students with learning challenges, do benefit from having material be presented in a variety of ways. For these adult learners motivation is key so they can see that they will be successful in the program.
remembering that each student is unique and have individual needs.
I find that most of my students being adults have found their own ways to cope. Reading test seems to be a slight problem for some though.
giving that students more time and no pressure about the assigned materials
I also have students who appear to be easily distracted. I have learned to shut the blinds, and invite them to sit up front. This seems to help.
I had one student with this situation. I gave him more time to complete his assignments but also I assigned leadership role in class.
