I teach in the field of medical imaging and have long been aware that our national board certifying exam will allow testing accoommodation in accordance with the ADA guidelines.  However, I was not aware of the number of individual students who could have benefitted from this accomidation had they been identified as having a learning disability.  Thinking back over the years, I can remember at least 10 who I am sure would have been successful in our field had they been able to pass the board, but based on the time limit of the exam or other factors, they were… >>>

The most challenging aspect of teaching for me is addressing cultural diversity.  In my classroom setting, cultural diversity extends far beyond geographical lines, so I find myself trying to identify and build an academic relationship.  What I plan to do in order to become more diversified is to, of course, do what research I can to understand how to reach/teach all students.  But, I also plan to create an open atmosphere in the classroom to allow time and space for more conversation and dialogue to broaden not only my view, but other classmates' views and perspectives on other cultures.

As teachers, we know that every student is unique and an individual. But students often feel grouped—they’re one of the smart kids, they’re on the football team, or they’re so-and-so’s sibling— and therefore not unique. Even with diversity, the same happens. Allow students to explore their individual diversity, from their country of ethnicity all the way down to their immediate family. It will show students that we are, in fact, all a part of large, meaningful groups, but we also have individual characteristics and experiences that make us all individual and unique.

This course has really reminded me to take a step back and be more engaging and flexible.

 Human beings are complex individuals and every person is different from the other. It is difficult to predict how each of them will respond to a course. One game that appeals to the intelligence of one learner might be too challenging for another one. Again, someone may comprehend an idea very well during the training but may not be able to apply his knowledge to solve a real-world problem.

I found the information to be important and revelant for student interaction.

The content of the course was very informative and thought provoking. I feel I will be more sensitive to the level of understanding of our students and their learning styles. I will strive to make my teaching easily understandable and attempt to change anything that is not.

I have gained a better understanding of learning styles and how to accomodate students that have them.

I have, over the years, taught many students who presented an IEP when first entering the classroom. The IEP would generally specify certain accomodations such as extra time on tests and lab activities etc. but that is all. I feel this course has really enlightened me to many other ways we can truly not just help, but encourage success for these students. Better ways to understand them and enable them to better understand us! This is an exceptional course which has filled in many blanks for me and that I will be able to put to great use in my classes.

I work in an institution that provides education to students with PTSD & TBI and will strive to use the tools in the lesson to help them become more effective students.  As a military retiree, I have always been able to rapidly build raport with students that are still in the military and trying to gain additional education to futher their careers.  The information in the course has made me realize many condierations that I have not been made aware of, to help students with these issues feel more comfortable and at ease in a classroom setting.  I will also… >>>

It was enlightning all this information and how we have students suffering PTSD disorder. It helped a lot all the techniques I learned today. I will be implementing the techniques in my classes. 

I will encorporate more technology into my teaching and use more different ways to engage thru powerpoints, skype learning tool etc.

It's an amazing idea to raise this issue of the diversity in classrooms. It stikes many strings on how instructors manage this issue effectively.

I strongly agree that instructors shouldn't consider ESL students as stuggling students. They should be praised for their ability to learn & be proficiennt in English, as this takes away the shame of not knowing the language off their shoulders.

This is the most important practical tip for any instructor, never stereotype. I found it very difficult for me at the beginning & sometimes till now. 

It is best to not assume the background of my students based on their looks, accent or national origin. It is best to learn about them through their discussion and work with them to better understand their learning style.

i did not know there was so many evolving terms of condition for this over the last few hundred years, good read.

To help students with TBI and PTSD acheve thier goals.

it was a collections of good idias i can now incorperate into teaching in the future to diverse groups

Definitely, times have changed as we progress in the application of new technologies and the reality is that different generations have multiple and different expectations. This needs to be considered. 

I plan to share what I learn with my peer instructional designers.

This course has been helpfu and it made me think of the importnace of teacher speakers of other languages. I am a native Spanish and I have taught English and Spanish for several years. Teaching ESL is a rewarding experience because learners feel empowered when they are able to communicate and to be independent. 

Understanding the diversity of learning disabilities, how to identify them, approach students, and assist them in their journey is extremely important. Having experienced many different learning disabilities in class, I am now able to identify them and am more confident in approaching discussions and finding accommodations for individual students.