Reading & Writing Deficiencies in the Classroom
How have you successfully helped students that have reading and/or writing deficiencies in you classroom?
I always ask students on the first day if they have or need an accommodation for help with reading of a test to see me privately after class. Always stressing the importance of letting me know ahead of time so I can make the neccessary arrangements. I also try to monitor students that struggle with reading and writing and offer tutoring to ensure they are receiving and understanding the material.
In my opinion, I think the career pre-test should help discover this type of deficiency, prior to the start of classes. Remedial courses are always prerequisites to help keep classes on course. Having to teach people to read and comprehend is not something that can be taught in conjuction with career change courses. I don't think it's fair to the other students.
If I suspect a problem I will privately ask questions in different terms to judge whether its a understanding or writing/spelling problem. Many more students each year are coming in here with learning issues of poor writing,spelling,reading,language skills. If it is significant I will refer student to fastlane or student services for an accomendation.
Hi Steven!
Good job! I'm not sure what else an instructor can do if a student doesn't take them up on this type of offer.
Does anyone else have any suggestions?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
At the start of the class I tell my story about overcoming learning issues and how I never liked to read and what that means in the Automotive industry. As in previous post if any student has accommodation and see me privately. When I give the first test and a student has failed, I will fill out some paperwork on the students that have failed. I will talk with each student about the test and ask how I can help and reinforce that is why I’m there. Having the student sign the paper makes the student feel that I have a personal interest in his/her accomplishment to pass the course.
During sop's I state if there is anyone that may have an accommedation to please see me after class. I make sure that what ever they may need that I am here for them. When I have students fail a test I make sure they come in early so I can help them study and give them technic's that may help them.
As mentioned previously, there are specific accommodations that will need to be made for certain students. For the general student population, motivation is a key factor. Most have come to this school because they think that reading comprehensive skills are not important. “I just need to put my hands on the carâ€. I like to give them examples of how the industry has changed. I will ask them how they will go about diagnosing a particular problem. When they are not able to come up with a solution, I have them read the workshop manual.
When they enter my class,They already have an accomidation.They go to fast lane or student sevices.Ihelp them anyway i can, including reading them the test
Hi David!
We should add comprehension deficiency as well. I've often felt this was the bigger challenge.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
In my present class I have a studnet from India. He speaks poor and broken english. To top it off he studders. at first I had an extremely hard time to communicate with him. To help with this problem i have him speak very slowly and softly. now i understand him about 95% of the time. The other students do not seem to have a problem and eagerly translate what i do not understand.
As mentioned in many posts, if a student has an accomodation, I send them off to have tests read to them. However, I emphasize to all students that I will gladly read any question to them, or rephrase it, or give examples of what a test question is asking, all they have to do is come up to me and ask. This usually helps them understand. What is frustrating is when a student tells me later "I didnt understand the question".It usually takes that first student to come and ask before others will follow suit.
I have found that having help from other students in an informal manner really helps things along. There are nearly always several students who are willing to help out people who don't have the language skills or reading skills. I have found that small study groups organically begin to form and "translators" crop up to help find new ways to get the lecture points across.
Again, it's not a formal fix, but it is a way that the class as a whole rallies around people who need help. It's inspiring to see.
One thig I try to do on the first day as I introguce the course, is let them know how the written word has change in our field. I talk about how service information for the big 3 was contained in one service manual and today that is no longer true and my collection of service manuals for on manufacturer will cover a complete wall in my library. I emphsie with so much information the importance of reading comprehension is vital to their further success. At that point I will ask about accomidations and see me on a side bar. Somnetimes after talking to the student I find they are interested in learning how to read and with their permission I refer them to a reading program. More then once the student has come back to retake a course because they can now read and understand more of what the need to succeed.
In our situation in classes I would first determine by asking if the studetn has a accommodation. At time the student should have one but has not done so. Student may go to some other places for assistance with reading and also tutoring in our unit.
Greetings Jeff!
As you stated, it is not a formal fix, however, I think it is one of the best ways to help those challenged learners. Peer mentoring can be such a positive experience for both the student and the mentor. It sounds like you have been able to pair the right people and encourage a very good support system. It also appears that you are vigilant to ensure that students are paired for best result.
GREAT job!
Jane Davis
ED106 facilitator
Yes, Chuck, when instructors find that they are not equipped to meet special needs, they should ask for assistance. This is better for the student and the class as a whole.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I find most students that have a reading problems or learning difficulties in general, by the time they get to us have a really good idea of what works for them and what does not. So when I encounter a student with a learning problem I ask them what their teachers in high school or elementary school did that worked for them. Then it just a matter of finding a way of make that strategy fit the situation. Sometimes it’s as easy as giving them extra time. Or helping them with a word when they’re reading a test.
I like to use the word comunication, talk to me and we can go from there, I also like to use the clear colored sheets for students that have reading issues, this does seem to help alot on most students with reading problems.
In the past i would sit one on one and coach them when i had the time not to take away from helping or , assisting in other students from their learning.Now if the student presents me with an accomadition letter we have a learning classroom for them with one on one reading and writing as well as the tests they take.
Audie Toney
TTL 35
Avondale Az.
