I completely agree with you. It is very challenging to try and work within a policy under a very short deadline.
The greatest challenge is getting the student to tell me they have a learning disability before they get behind or do poorly on a test.
After the fact, of poor performance, they come forward and say "I did poorly because I have a disability and I need special handling."
At this point it is very disruptive to everyone in the class.
Making the student feel comfortable enough to open up and discuss the learning challenges they have.
Amber,
and through this the students have a better chance of learning the material better which will help them to be more efficient in the long run.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Today our society values efficiency. Anyone with a disability faces daily challenges in an enviroment that is foreign to them. Additionally, it can be a huge obstacle which prevents anyone from climbing the ladder to financial success. As a career college instructor, my number one goal is to prepare committed students to attain rewarding employment. I've found patience and encouragement creates the best environment for student success.
Deginald,
the different paces of learning can definitely be a challenge.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The greatest challenge for me is trying to keep them on task with the rest of the class.
Bruce,
this is a great observation. Make sure that this student does not feel out of place or that he/she doesn't belong, but can be just as successful with the resources that are available.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I belive one of the biggest challenges is to help them feel like they belong. That they can achive any thing they want to. They just may have to try a little harder and get a little more assistance.
Remembering they have the disabilities, and slowing down for them. Also, spending time tutoring them afterschool. I found that the one on one time without other classroom distractions is helpful to a student with learning diasabilities. I also found that test taking is better individually, without other students present. This seems to allow the student to focus more on the test.
Beth,
and I think in these situations we have to show them that we want to help & remind them of the resources available.
Dr. Ryan Meers
The biggest challenge is sometimes the student. Some students clearly have a learning disability, buy have never addressed it in prior educational settings. By the time they get to career school, their frustration level is really high.
I found that my greatest chalange is to create a new ways of thinking of new matods .something that going to help them to be succesful
Julia,
it really does often come down to that individual attention & making sure we are making ourselves available to the students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Julia,
it really does often come down to that individual attention & making sure we are making ourselves available to the students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I'd say that, if there isn't institutional support for accomodating learners with disabilities (as in an office or staff that identify students needs and let instructors know about them), initially identifying the student. Once I know the student's individual situation, it's possible to identify strategies -those they've used and those I've seen work. I love teaming with students to find the best solutions for them.
Deborah,
I agree that this is a huge challenge and we need to make sure that they know we are here to help.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Shea,
this is a great way to encourage these learners & to have the opportunity to help them more in the future.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I think there are several challenges. First you need to identify WHO has a problem and who is just not putting forth the effort. Second it that you need to identify WHAT the problem is. They often do not share with you that they have a problem or disability. Then comes determining HOW best to help and work with them. I think the biggest challenge to working with students with learning disabilities is not knowing that a student has a disability.
is cheering them up after they are frustrated with there score because of that lack of tools they had prior to entering my class. I tell them to have confidence in yourself and tell me about all the famous people with learning disabilities who make it and succeed. With the right tools you be where you want to be.
