Jamie Youngblood

This module reviews the difference of learning styles (a preference of the ways someone likes to learn), and learning challenges (a barrier that may exist for a learner, including a disability).  By using inclusive practices within the instruction, all students will be able to access the learning materials.  The module stresses the importance of using holistic assessment to capture students' learning through rubrics and opportunities to demonstrate learning within a portfolio. 

The module shared the importance of allowing students to utilize their "mother tongue" rather than trying to apply an English only structure.  It also discussed acknowledging that students may be proficient in conversational English, but need supports for academic language.

Culture vs. Race: Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people which encompasses many things including language, religion, food, cultural norms, and the arts. The module suggests 5 competencies to keep in mind to be culturally responsive as a teacher and for learners which include reflection, respect, accommodating learners when needed, intercultural communication, and structure.

Race is the grouping of people by their ethnicity and is a social construct that does not take into account an individual's full experience and background.  It is important to create an inclusive classroom environment and be thoughtful about strategies to… >>>

Regarding cultural diversity, it is important to recognize schema and ensure that you are teaching with all students in mind.  Utilizing differentiated instruction and holistic assessment through various avenues can allow all students to feel engaged and connected to the content.  Additionally, use strategies that ensure inclusivity such as being mindful of the language used, learning about student interests and goals, not making gender or culturally-based assumptions, keeping a neutral tone with all students, and not participating in stereotyping.

Access to technology can be a game-changer for students with disabilities.  While we hope that students may have accessed some technology in high school to support their learning, the reality is that many of our older students may not have the same experience.  Having a general understanding of some basic apps and platforms could be very beneficial as an instructor.  Learning about how to make text-friendly for OSR readers or screen readers is a must in terms of access for a high number of students.  I love the idea of the instructor making time to connect with the disability services… >>>

This section talked about three things that I think are particularly valuable for instructors to keep in mind.  There is a major difference between accommodations and modifications.  Accommodations provide support for a student to access the learning materials without changing the content being taught.  Modifications actually amends the content to support a student who may otherwise not have any exposure to the content.  Modifications are great for providing some amount of exposure to the content, but they will not provide as thorough an exploration of the content that other students are likely receiving.  This is why most institutions do not… >>>

Utilizing assessment to collect a body of evidence to diagnose learning disabilities can create a clearer picture of specifically how the disability impact the individual.  This will also make identifying effective accommodations easier and provide time for students to determine what accommodations they find most valuable prior to getting to postsecondary learning institutions.  For those adult learners who have not been diagnosed, supporting a student in connecting with the disability services office can be monumental for the student both academically and potentially professionally.  Students should also be encouraged to access supports available to all students (tutoring, workshops, writing/math labs, etc.)… >>>

It was interesting to think about the stages of alphabetic learning and to learn that most Americans are reading at the 8th-grade level.  Being equipped with this knowledge can be powerful when implementing UDL in the classroom, specifically with reading assignments and how those assignments are being accessed by students.  Being aware that learning disabilities can impact individuals differently is something that all instructors should have in mind in order to  identify when a student may be in need of further support.  Additionally, it is important to have an understanding of the accommodations that specific students have been approved to… >>>

Differentiated instruction is an opportunity to meet the student where they are at with their learning to support their successes and achievement.  UDL is a type of differentiated instruction that does not single out students with disabilities, but can actually support all learners in the classroom.

Similar to other types of disabilities, having a psychological disability doesn't mean that there will always be an impact on the student's learning needs.   Setting clear expectations, developing systems for the students, avoiding triggers, and staying calm and supportive may help support a student with successful learning in the classroom.