Preparing course materials for students with learning disabilities
Would like to get feedback on developing course that addresses students with learning disabilities
Hi Ingrid,
There are six major categories of learning disabilities, the most common being dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning disabilities that focuses on the individual not being able to decode words and break them down for comprehension and application. I would suggest that you talk with a student that is struggling with reading comprehension and see if they have been diagnosed as having a learning disability. If they have they will have suggestions on how to break down the material in a way that they can work through it. If they haven't then you will want to pull the material apart. Separate out the material into paragraph form with several space between each paragraph. Highlighting the key points within each paragraph really helps as well. The key is to get the students to zero in on what they must learn in order to be successful in the course. Guided notes will help them with this as well.
Gary
Do you think this application also works for students whose primary language is not english as well? Do you think that they are more prone to being dyslexic because of the constant conversion from english to their primary language and then back to english? Not trying to group learning disabilities and language in the same group but it seems like there are similarities.
Hi Ingrid,
Not exactly sure of what happens with such learners but through experience I know the processing takes longer because they are searching for the right words in their own language and then translating that language into action in English. In addition, they are learning new concepts and terms that are challenging to them so there is a bit of lag in comprehension as they move through new content.
Gary
