The best strategies for working with students with learning needs is to provide an enviroment where the dont feel they will be embarrassed by another student if they ask a question.
Finding a mode that works for the student is important. My problem is having the patience to find and then use that mode or modes regularly with a student. I find it works better for me if I can have some one on one time right before class with the student to prep them for class.
Working with students with learning needs can be very difficult. I like to schedule a time to meet with the student so that they get the one on one attention. It really helps boost their confidence and since it is private then the whole class does not know.
The term Tutoring does not fare well with many of the students I have had in class that were struggling. I have found that offering study sessions where sevral students get together after class or before class and discuss what they are having trouble understanding. As we discuss the answers students seem to help others students by giving a different perspective or so called speaking a different language. The conversation from peer to peer and from Instructor to student are quite different.
A good strategy is to help the student overcome their own psychological setback especially when the fear of failing seem to be the overriding factor. I have one such student, who emails me regularly enquiring whether he is going to pass the module, among other complains. He is a boderline "B" student. At the beginning of each module they are given full details of the syllabus and relevance of the material to work. During one of the break sessions, I spoke with him extensively to give consolation that his efforts have given positive results with respect to this new area of study he has embarked upon . His face lit up a bit, with a small smile. I hope I did get through to him by enabling him to boost his confidence and self-esteem.
There are many strategies but they all depend on the severity of the students needs and how the student perceives help that is offered.
The best way to help is to individualize the help offered. For mild situations, taking a few extra seconds while presenting material is all that is necessary and allows him to comprehend the material. For the most sever cases referal to the school learning resourse center may be best.
It takes close attention and tact on the instructors part to ballance student need, attitude and ability to provide the best mix of assistance for best performance of the student.
If you allow other students to try to engage the student with the learning need it sometimes helps.They "speak the same lingo".
Dennis,
I think you make a good point here & that is some of the associations with the word "tutor." I think overall many think this word means "I'm stupid." So utilizing study groups is a great way to preserve face & still help the student.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I encourage the students to set-up a time to met with me one-on-one for help. I believe the one-on-one with the student gives them the confidence so they can be successful in your class.
During my years in education I have notice that my students with learning needs seem to fall around the second quiz in my course. So what I have done is to watch their faces during lectures and to makesure I keep repeating things over and over.
by telling them the aim of learning and method of learning by breaking them in small pars whule progressing from one to next gradually while learning their application in the big picture
Lynn,
I agree with this as well & when we make ourselves avaiable, this really does speak volumes to the students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I have encouraged them to get assignments done early so they can come to me with questions or request tutoring before getting behind.
I myself have spoken only english for 40 years. And with 80% of the population now being spanish speaking, I have had to rethink my own teaching strategies. It's difficult to try to explain something to and ESL student when you yourself don't understand their language. Taking some spanish has helped me when I'm just not getting a student to understand. But always making sure that since this course is listed as an english only taught program, spanish is a last resort.
Listening helps, giving them more time, be patient, and might have to explain instructions more than twice.
i have had students who struggle with math. i will present a example,and formulate the answer slowly. then i will create another problem and see if the student can get the answer.
I teahch online classes, and one of the more common things I need to do with students with learning needs is to structure the exams and assignments for more time. Of course, I only do this when I have received an approved request through the school. I also try to provide course materials like my live chats in archived, recorded versions along with a written script that can be read. Offering various forms of the materials helps diverse student learners.
Kurt
Trying to find the method of learning that is most effective for that particular learner. There is no one size fits all tactic. Sometimes it is just about gaining their trust enough to let you know what works for them. Embarrassment can cause some students to withdraw, our job is to encourage and support.
Some of the things that I use is repetition. Making it repetitive is a good way for people to learn. Also I try and give learners a way to personalize the material. If they can make it personal, they can remember it.
Amber,
I agree that we need to pay careful attention to these factors.
Dr. Ryan Meers
