Helping Students With Learning Disabilities
I have had some students in the past that have some learning disabilities. As a result, they cannot keep up with the curriculum, struggle to retain what I teach, and are often disruptive in the classroom. I make sure to take special care with these students, and adapt my teaching styles frequently to meet their needs. I want all of my students to be successful and understand what I am teaching. How can I better assist such students, especially when they don't seem to be improving,or don't care to improve?
Not much can be done for those who lack the motivation to learn, however there are options for those who struggle to understand and retain the course material.
As someone who has a learning disability, I take extra care to acknowledge and identify learning issues in all students. Some are visual learners, some need analogies to translate the material into something they already understand, and some learn by repetition.
Doing research on the most common learning disabilities and finding a way to mix the different techniques I feel would be the best way.
Example: You need to teach someone between the difference of item A and item B. First, explain the differences. Then perhaps write on the board the differences and maybe add a graphic (or draw one) to explain. Then think of another couple ways to explain the differences by using a couple analogies or comparative examples.
By doing something similar to the example you cover the visuals, those who couldn't understand it explained one way, and the repetition. Even those without learning difficulties can benefit from the example, as the topic becomes more familiar in their mind. Less of a fact to memorize and more of a truth of which they are aware (if that makes sense.)
Terence, you bring forward a critical factor. All instructors need to be well versed in the resources available to them with respect to behavioral, situation and educational resources. Your statement is true that for some students they simply need more than what you can provide during scheduled classroom hours.
James Jackson
It can be challenging to meet with needs of all students in the classroom. I offer individual and group tutoring sessions, when my schedule allows, to provide opportunities for those who want to learn. There are a few students who are struggling, but don't show up for tutoring, so I invite them individually.
Cathy, outstanding post and a critical discussion that needs more attention. Not all lack of success and performance is due to students not being focused and not doing their work. Other significant issues exist and great instructors take the measures necessary to understand these other issues and keep up on the techniques and tactics needed to overcome these student limitations. Thanks for your comments and your commitment to your students.
James Jackson
Because we dealing with adult learners who struggle with many dysfunctions and disabilities that affect their learning process, such as, social anxiety, ADD, PTST illiteracy, etc. In reaching these adult learners in methods they understand, does require a strong guide who can adapt the teach methods to meet the individual needs. I personally take the time to become aware of each student who displays a disability and will spend time working individually with them to ensure their success.
I have been teaching adults for 13 years and have many student with learning disibilities. I seems that many have just been passed through even when they are not ready to move on. In the time I have with them I try to spend as much time with them in class as well as offering one on one tutoring. A lot of time it is that one on one is all that they need.
Christine, well stated. Individual attention can go a long way and does not take as much time as many may think. The results speak for themselves and for those focused on achieving measurable learning outcomes, the little things done daily will make a big difference.
James Jackson
In the past I have had students who have learning disabilities as well and even bring in their IEP but also seem to have disconnected from the education process. I find that if I spend even a few min a couple of times a week checking in with them about the things listed in the educatiop plan away from other students I get a great seponse. They feel less singled out and more open to hearing my ideas from improvment, most importantly they feel like someone takes their needs seriously which makes them look at themselves in adifferent light.
Sarah, very well stated and greatly appreciate you sharing this reality. For some instructors they do not even consider some of their students as having learning disorders yet such situations take place more often then we realize. Your ability as a professional educator to recognize possible learning disorders is directly related to your overall success as an instructor.
James Jackson
