The first day of class is used to give the big picture of the scope and depth of the training. This helps the students to see the WIFM(whats in it for me)and also the relevance of passing the training courses receiving the credentials needed to qualify to work in the shop. There are specific accommodations that may need to be made for certain students. But, for the general student population, motivation is a key factor. Most have come to this technical school because they feel that reading comprehension skills are less important. Saying:“I just need to put my hands on the carâ€. We give them examples of how the industry has changed and become more technical. Then I ask them how they will go about diagnosing a particular problem. What happens when you are not able to read the documentation to help come up with a solution? Tutoring time and additional exercises can be helpful as long as we keep the standards the same for all to pass the classes.
Some students have a problem because they read or write to fast or in a hurry skip things. By getting them to slow down, the student will sometimes be able to assist themselves in reading and writing. Others need to learn how to read, something that they were passed on through in school and life without learning.
I have successfully helped a student by reconizing the fact that He/She understood and did well in lab and discussions, but when it came time for the written test He/She failed almost every time. I suggested someone read the test to that person and they started to pass the tests.
Hi Audie!
I like the idea of one-on-one where time allows. I would caution that instructors not isolate/segregate students from their classmates. In the real world of work, everyone has to learn how to be "on the team".
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
If we know ahead we get a helper to help read for them. Send them to fastlane and have them work in groups if they are stuck on a word we can help them understand the consept in the text book
Hi James!
I like the idea of the group and I assume you mean groups of students who all have the same challenge? If not I would be sure that the challenged students are comfortable with the group arrangement. You might think about one-on-one mentoring.
What is "fastlane" - I'm not familiar with the term?
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
In my class we do quite a bit of math. Some students are confused by even basic math so I try to remind them how they used to do it when they were in grammar and high school. If this fails I sometimes have to actually teach them how to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Some words used in my course are not familiar to them so I try to substitute more commonly used words when possible.
covering the infromation several different ways helps,reading slower and putting enfaces on key words. staying after school to help with reading and writing has been needed from time to time.
I have not had the opprotunity to help any students in this area. Most of my classes are late in the students training and most students are using fast lane for help.
I find that this is an area that if not looked after carefully. With the short time frame that we have in class and lab that if I do not pay attentiion that a student with these type of concerns could slip thru and not get the help needed. I try and spend a little time looking over shoulders as the students are working on the lab sheets to see if I can identify concerns without isolating the student.
There are some of Students that show that they have accommodations and want the use of our programs here at the school. I will not hesitate to send them for the help. But I have also found that if I spend a little time with that student they get excited when they find out that they have the ability to succeed.
When I encounter students with reading or writing deficiencies I encourage them to seek help either through student services or other reading programs that may be available locally.Also I generally try to use short term projects (labs) during the course so they can get feedback quicker and get them the help needed.
Identifying that a student has reading or writing deficiency is the first step in helping the students. Not all students will be forthcoming in letting you know that they have an issue. Once you have identified that a student has an issue I feel it is important to have a one to one talk with the student in order to evaluate what course of action is needed in order for the student to be successful in your course. Sending a student off to a learning center is not always the answer. Showing these students that you are willing to invest some time in their success is a great motivator. A student needs to realize that this is their education and their future depends on it. I have had success with having a student own his/her education and finding out what they are going to so to be successful in my course. By this point in their education students know how they learn, have them share that with you. A learning plan can now be developed between Instructor and Student.
In the past i help them one on one and coach them before or after class.I also have them work in groups to help in class or lab. If the student tells me he or she has a accomadition we have a learning center for them with one on one reading and writing as well as the tests they take.
Day 1 of the class I ask if any of my students have any specific accomodation that I need to know about and to get with me after class so I can make all the necessary arrangements to help make them successful in the subject matter we will be discussing over the next 3 weeks. We have been successful in operating in this manner.
Hi Leonardo!
Very well thought out approach to helping challenged students with their learning. You clearly are making a difference.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
In other words, Mr. Daniel Wigglesworth, you make yourself very available to students. I can only imagine that you offer a great deal of encouragement and positive reenforcement as well.
Keep up the good work!
By the way - I love your name - :-)
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I have had some students that are not native English language speakers. I try to accomodate them by explaining to them some of the concepts that they have a hard time with, sometimes they are unwilling to ask for help maybe because they dont like to be singled out.
Other than the accomadations. As i go through the lectures & labs I use the words & phrases that the job uses a lot. This way I can explain them as we go along, they can get used to using those same words & phrases, & prepares them for the test that they will be taking. I've work to build there confidence when taking the test.
I always talk to each student and if i find someone that needs extra help, i get them to tutoring the school offers and will set up peer tutoring if needed. Also I make myself available.
