Assisting with challenges
I've got no problem assisting students with learning challenges that do not disrupt the class.
Many can be worked with without anyone else knowing; extra time, tutoring, and in some special cases verbal exams.
Personally, I prefer a professional to handle man of these issues. I think they require more intuitive knowledge, and maybe time, that I have when I need to devote my instruction to the average of the class.
My two cents...
Truthfully, my experience with students with disabilities have been very positive. Most of them are highly motivated to learn, and want to succeed. They will come to me and tell me what has worked in the past and they show me how I can help. Show them you are more than willing to help, and they will show you how you can help.
Sheila,
yes, those of us who work with these students every day can be the best resource to make sure they are succeeding in their classes.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I definitely believe that assisting students with learning disabilities MUST BE by a Multidisiplainary approach---but the every-day instructor CAN BE an important part of that team. I always feel intrinsically good when my regular students do well, BUT I feel GREAT when my student with challenges does well.
herlene,
yes, we need to learn to use the help & resources that are available to us.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree we have to be careful but the awesome thing is even if we are not equipped to assist them, that the problem is acknowledged and that we can solicit help from another instructor or department that may be able to help.
william,
I would agree that we have to be very careful in how diagnoses are handled & how accomodations follow.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I will say that an accomodation is not so easily given here. There has to be a paper trail from another school clearly stating that they were deemed worthy of needing an accomondation. I also feel that if it is needed/ required then I am all for it. I just feel that being labeled disabled or learning challenged has become too easy to accomplish.
Sorry for the late reply,
As an instructor/teacher we need to be observant of our students. If we recognize a problem or have a concern then we need to, within company policy, address the issue. Discretion is the key so we do not scare them off. Often times the student will come to you if you make your availability to the class quite clear.
As I stated earlier due to government funding an entrance exam could be offered but it would not eliminate a student from attending classes. It could be utilized as a preemptive warning indicator that the student has an issue but, I would guess that most institutions would shy away from this tactic in fear of scaring off potential students.
I feel that the burden falls onto the public school system NOT the teachers. I don't know about you but most of my accomodations would be for minority students, specifically inner city. It seems that ESL courses could be an option, it would generate more income for the company and put the students in their "comfort zone" so to speak. Regardless what the solution, it is getting out of control and the post secondary education system needs to address this ASAP. I only forsee this problem spiraling out of control.
It does seem like everyone has something nowadays. There is an accommodation for every little thing. Sometimes I wonder if the students who claim they have a learning disability actually do. My question is: How far do we actually go? At what point is a learning disability nothing more than "This guy learns so easily, and I have to work hard. I want something that will put me on par with him!"? I feel like we are snowballing our way into a point of no return. While some students may actually benefit from simple accommodations, many students are taking advantage of it. I find more students taking advantage of their perceived disability than students who actually need it. I really applaud the students with learning disabilities who say that they do not want to use the modifications allowed unless absolutely necessary. Sometimes it is necessary. But, we are walking up a slippery slope.
Here is an example of someone using the system. A student is allowed to have someone else take his notes. Thus, the student pays no attention in class because someone else is doing the dirty work. The student has a case of "learned helplessness" more than anything. Oftentimes, we are enabling our students more than helping them.
The key is we have to be discretionary at all times when giving accommodations. Is this going to actually help the student? Is this going to cause enabling of the student? Are we doing this simply because we are told we have to otherwise we will get in trouble? Be cautious. Do what is right. Do not set a student up to fail in the long run.
I can't agree with you more.
I still have the same question though; what can I do to help them?
In my opinion, most all of these students have a real problem admitting that they have a problem; embarassment, or whatever.
Of course, I have office hours and am available to them; but, I don't have the skillset to help someone become with basic reading a writing skills. Heck, I'd probably do more damage.
There is always the option of a "verbal" test; but, as you pointed out, they've paid 40K for the education. And, whoever hires them expects them to be able to read, to comprehend, and to take action based upon the written instructions that they've received.
I remember when I went to U of MD every student had to take and pass an english profeciency exam. Maybe, we should employ the same philosophy. As I remember, this wasn't a simple test - it was rather detailed. My thinking is that if the first attempt is failed, then we offer a remedial course to bring them up to speed and to ensure they truly get their 40K education.
If we can't catch the issue prior to enrollment, then we can still ensure that we not only catch the problem during the course of instruction; but, that we provide a way to bring them up to the level that they need to be. I also think that if remedial education is required, then we should provide that course (and materials) for free. Include it in the overhead costs - I'm guessing the overall cost would be fairly minimal.
Thoughts? As a note, I'm enjoying this discussion. Perhaps, we can come up with a solution...
jay
By"attitude" adjustment I mean nothing physical, I feel some of the students need a wake up call and start to be held accountable for themselves.
My hands are tied somewhat, after they leave high school the law no longer forces you to give accommodations, unless it falls under the Disabilities Act. I would think that if you are going to spend 40k on an education the student should be capable of gaining from it.
The best we can do is use all the learning styles, consistently ask questions and watch the scores. If you see a student struggling with their tests a red flag should go up and it needs to be addressed. I won't yell "wolf" if they get one or two 70% test scores but if they bomb a simple test, where the average is 90%, then I will have a discussion with them.
I don't know that I agree with the attitude adjustment; but, I do agree that action needs to be taken.
I would really like to see the results of the literacy testing. I'd like to know if there is a potential for the inability to understand written material or to write properly.
Following that, I'd like to be able to "recommend" students to a literacy course.
To sorta quote another program, "Please, read and write responsibly".
I know this will delay graduation in some instances; however, the quality of education will improve greatly for the student if they can really understand what they are reading and be able to provide written responses that are easily understood by others. Heck, they have to be able to do the same thing on the job...
All of these folks should be able to read and comprehend at a 12th grade level in my opinion. Or, truly be able to meet the comprehension standards set by the individual institution.
I know that I am not qualified to teach people how to read, or how to improve their reading/comprehension skills.
What is your recommendation? Have you been able to implement any changes that have allowed for success of our students?
thanks,
jay
I do agree about the professionals, they have the training for handling these problems.
My question is, is it me or does there seem to be MORE people with problems? My goodness it seems like everyone has an issue that requires special attention.
I agree that little Johnny may have a hard time reading but, it may not be a medical condition that requires accomidations but an attitude condition that needs adjustment. Replys?
Thanks for your two cents. I have found that those students who come to you to express that they have a learning disability are the students who really have the desire to learn the material and are seeking your help in making this happen and helping with the process along the way. The students already know about the disability so when they share it with you they are actually gaining strength because there is strength in numbers and who better to help then the person giving the material and or instruction. There are many resources as you stated to help individuals with disabilities so the more they are utilized the better the chances the student has at success.
Yes it does get difficult at times and some may feel that a professional is better suited to handle situations such as these however I feel as the instrutor you should try to handle it first and if you feel someone else is better suited move forward from there. Again thanks for your two cents. :)
