Suspected Learning Disability
We suspect a student to have a learning disability who has not asked for help. Since we are not allowed to offer help without the student asking for it, what else can we do?
I've been in this situation, and it can be very frustrating. When you have a student who appears to have a learning disability, you want nothing more than to get them the help they need.
Make yourself and schedule available to students. If you know the areas they need help in, create a schedule and include the skills you believe need additional work. Hopefully, if the subject was not covered that the students needed, they will feel more comfortable and ask for the help!
Timothy,
this is a great way to lay that foundation of trust & openness.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I address the extra needs questions from day 1 letting everyone I am there for their benefit to succeed and to talk with me anytime I am on campus to help.
I have had a similar situation in my classroom several years ago so I usually address this on the first day of class. When going over the syllabus, classroom expectations, etc..I tell the students that if they have a learning disabilty and need special accomodations to please speak with me and I am more than happy to help them out. I tell them they don't have to pubically tell me but can meet with me privately after class. I also hold regular tutoring sessions hoping that these students will attend. I also do midterm counseling and if that person is failing than I speak to them about what we can do to improve their grade.
Gary,
unfortunately at this point, nothing. The student must approach you for help. I would just recommend continuing to demonstrate you want to help all students in any way possible & hopefully he/she will come for help.
Dr. Ryan Meers
